Maine Municipal Tax Collectors & Treasurers Association

Posted December 16, 2004:

We are looking at a new software program for the town and have been considering Trio and Northern Data. We are looking at complete packages so that we wouldn't have to run more than one system. I would be interested in getting some feedback from others as to what they are using and what problems, if any, they have had with their present programs.

Maureen Glidden, Interim Town Administrator, Town of Lubec lubecadmin@ptc-me.net

Responses:

I am the Treasurer for the city of Hallowell and we use TRIO software here. I was the Tax Collector in Gardiner for 5 years and used Northern Micro. I personally prefer the TRIO software. I also think they have better support. (Dawna Myrick City of Hallowell)

In Mariaville we use the TRIO windows version and are quite happy with it. I agree that their support is very good. Depending on how many of the modules you purchase, be prepared for quite a learning requirement. Not that it is overly complex.....there are just a lot of things to learn about it. This would probably be true of any similar system. We did not buy the Assessing module. Our Assessing agent has that package and keeps our records on his computer and periodically down loads current data to my pc. This is not a perfect arrangement but we get by and it saved lots of money. We do not have the Motor Vehicle Registration package but do have the Red Book on TRIO. BMV has indicated to me that once they get their new computer system up and running that towns will be able to directly connect to BMV website without need for any other software. I do not know what the schedule is and I am perfectly happy to continue with a manual system. We also do not have modules for CEO, Fixed Assets and 911. Do you know Frank McKeary? I wonder if he is still around there? I worked with him many years ago. Call if you have any questions. (Mark Johnson Administrative Assistant, Mariaville)

The Town of Richmond is currently looking into upgrading our computer system. We currently have Gemini (which is now Munis) and the system is fine, but the new Munis software is windows based and it can do so much more than what we have. We did meet with NDS (I'm not impressed) and also a company from NH called Unifund. There are a lot of similarities between Unifund & Munis, both are windows based and have assessing packages, accounts receivable & fixed assets which we currently don't have. It may end up coming down to the price. I don't know if we are going to look at any more companies or not. Any questions, call me. Thanks. The Town of Richmond has had Gemini and since 1990 and we upgraded in 1999 and we switched from dummy terminals to PC's. Thanks. (Laurie Boucher, Richmond)

Town of Greene uses TRIO. They have great support and the software is easy to use. We have all modules and have just bought the budgetary and payroll and go live on January 3rd. Great support and training for personnel. (Steve Eldredge, Greene)

The Town of Minot uses NDS. We all seem to like it. We have been on their system since 1990. (Nikki Verrill, Minot)

The Town of Wiscasset switched from Northern Data to Trio on July 1 of this year. One cost you really need to figure in is the cost of lost hours learning a new system. Although we like Trio, we lost a lot of man hours because we were unfamiliar with the system and it took us much longer to do things than it had in Northern Data. If Munis (Gemini) is in the ball park price wise, keep in mind you won’t have a steep learning curve keeping with the same system. I argued this point unsuccessfully here, but I think it is a valid argument for staying with the same company. (Jim George, Wiscasset)

Could you please send me the phone number for TRIO? We are evaluating our current software needs. We have been using NDS for the past 14 years (me for 10). I don't want to change, but I do need to justify why I feel this way. Why did Wiscasset decide to change? (Judith E Stevens Deputy Treasurer Sagadahoc County)

942-6222 Margaret Frye, Adm. Assistant (Weston)

We're changing our system here in Biddeford. Be careful with any vender you go with,
they'll promise you the moon and then some to get their feet in the door and after it's
what are you talking about. At your demo's, get them to put every statement in writing and have them sign it. We're converting from NDS to Munis and Munis stated that
we would have the best training and be on the same playing field when we go live as we
were using NDS. NOT SO !!!!!!!!. With everything today, its Window based and for one
old step, windows now has you going through 6 to do the same thing. Progress......
Gemini nor Trio will interface with the accounting programs of Munis and the clerks will
therefore have to make separate entries to the treasury screen to account for the funds
collected. We're having fun, but I'm sure that once we're use to it, things will go smoothly.
Gayle Doyon, Tax Collector (Biddeford)

We're in the process of moving from NDS to TRIO - already have done Motor Vehicle package and soon will do Assessing - rest to come later. Yes, there is a learning curve, but it's more user friendly and the software fees are much lower. (Greg Davis Wayne)

Please contact Ms. Donna M. Hill, Controller in Gray @ 657-3339. Donna has worked with NDS for several years. (Mitch Berkowitz, Gray)

The Town of Searsport uses TRIO, all modules, we are hoping the utility billing will also be ready this spring so we can on line with that as well. We all like the software fairly well and the support is wonderful. I love the software and the only person with trouble with it is our Assessor and that is only because we just went on line with windows this year and there have been some bugs to work out but we are getting there. (Sandra Blake, Searsport)

The Town of Frankfort uses Trio for Dos and are happy with it...looking forward to the windows edition being installed. (Melissa Brassbridge, Frankfort)

In Hancock we use Trio. We just upgraded to the windows version and we are happy with it. We have the budgetary, tax billing, payroll, clerk, motor vehicle, and voter reg. packages. Their support team is quick and knowledgeable. (Stacey Clement, Hancock)

The City of Eastport has Trio. We started in DOS in 1999. We still have DOS for some things but have the new Windows complete Motor Vehicle package which is really nice and the Windows Assessing package and our Assessor seems to like it. We plan to upgrade to all Windows programs eventually. We had Gemini for quite a few years but it ran off one main frame and the rest of the computers were just dummy terminals. Trio is run through personal PC's which is much better. The staff at Trio is great.(Helen Archer, Eastport)

We use NSI's Fundsense in Naples. I prefer TRIO. End of story. (Derik Goodine, Naples)

Have Trio. Love it! Give them a call. (Lynn Maloney, Newcastle)