Yearly Archives: 2018

Helping You Adapt to Change

By Black Mountain Software | Published December 20, 2018

“The only thing that’s constant is change.”

Regulations change, reporting requirements change, and technology changes, too. Within the past few years, we’ve seen a number of reporting requirements change–from the Montana Public Retirement System to Federal Affordable Care Act reporting. These changes are frustrating for clients. It means new reports, more data entry and a system to check for errors. But we are determined to ease that pain, to the best of our ability, by creating add-ons to our software and updating our systems whenever there are new mandated compliance requirements for our clients.

How BMS Software Eases the Pain of Changing Compliance Requirements

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    Posted in Best Practices, BMS Products, BMS Staff, City Clerk Cafe, Cloud Computing, Government Accounting Standards, School Software, Small Cities, Technology, Utility Billing | Comments Off on Helping You Adapt to Change

    8 Signs You Are Close to Retirement

    By Black Mountain Software | Published December 10, 2018

    There is a rapidly aging demographic in the workforce, and city clerks are no exception. In fact, when we surveyed the 700 City Clerk Café members in 2013 to find out more about them, a staggering 80 percent were over the age of 40.

    With retirement looming for many city clerks, and retirement planning for the future on the minds of the remaining city clerks, it seems relevant and timely to discuss what being “ready” for retirement actually means. So, we’ve put together a list of eight signs that could mean your days basking in the sun under a palm tree are nearing. Read more >

    Posted in Best Practices, City Clerk Cafe, Office Efficiency, Small Cities, Uncategorized | Comments Off on 8 Signs You Are Close to Retirement

    Why We Are Grateful, In Eight Words for Thanksgiving

    By Black Mountain Software | Published November 19, 2018

    “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve gratitude.”

    It’s easy to get bogged down in all that life throws at us. But fortunately, it’s even easier to be grateful. At Black Mountain Software, we are here because someone had an idea, and someone else thought it was good enough to buy. Twenty-six years later, we have a strong business with a great clientele in one of the most beautiful places in the world. And for that, today we must say, we are so grateful! Grateful for this opportunity, this industry, this location, and our customers, of course. Read more >

    Posted in BMS Staff, City Clerk Cafe, Latest News | Comments Off on Why We Are Grateful, In Eight Words for Thanksgiving

    Five Fall-Inspired Alternatives to Drip Coffee

    By Black Mountain Software | Published November 15, 2018

    It’s the season of change and while we often don’t think twice before changing out our sandals for boots, or sunglasses for gloves, we don’t often think about changing up our in-office routine for something a bit more festive.

    The proof is in the pudding (or at least, in your coffee cup)! Think about it…how often do you make a run for that same pot of office coffee without even thinking about sprucing up your caffeine routine for something a little tastier?

    So, if your tongue is begging for a seasonal update to that black cup of Joe, consider these fall alternatives to your drip coffee—no trip to Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice Latte required! Read more >

    Posted in Best Practices, City Clerk Cafe, Office Efficiency, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Five Fall-Inspired Alternatives to Drip Coffee

    USDA Allocates $4B for Grants and Low-Cost Loans

    By Black Mountain Software | Published August 27, 2018

    Given that we specialize in Utility Billing software and many of our clients live in small, rural areas, we are excited to report that the United States Department of Agriculture has set aside four billion dollars for grants and low-cost loans to improve rural water infrastructure.

    The program aims to provide funding for drinking water systems, sewage/solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage for qualified households and businesses in eligible areas, which include most state and local government entities in towns with populations of ten thousand or less, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized Tribal organizations in rural areas.

    Applications can be filled out online via the RD Apply tool or through a local USDA Rural Development state field office. Read more >

    Posted in BMS Products, City Clerk Cafe, Latest News, Small Cities, Utility Billing | Comments Off on USDA Allocates $4B for Grants and Low-Cost Loans

    Some of The Best Places in Montana to Visit

    By Black Mountain Software | Published August 3, 2018

    Anyone that knows Black Mountain Software knows we are pretty darn proud of where we come from! Heck, even our name was inspired by our Montana surroundings!

    With an office in Polson and handfuls of clients who also share this great state, we thought we’d take a moment to talk about some of our favorite places in Montana. So, if you are lucky enough to live here, maybe we will spark an idea for an adventure. If not, maybe we’ll give you a reason to come visit. And if you do, don’t hesitate to stop by our “mansion on the hill” in Polson; a local landmark in itself. Read more >

    Posted in City Clerk Cafe, Small Cities, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Some of The Best Places in Montana to Visit

    Five Reasons Work Breaks Are Important

    By Black Mountain Software | Published July 23, 2018

    John Lubbock, author of The Use of Life said, “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”

    Did he perhaps know something we do not?

    As workdays grow longer, and the lines between work and home life continue to blur, the need for midday “me time” seems to be ignored. Taking a lunch is sometimes unheard of, so why would anyone take breaks?

    While some may frown upon the 15 or 20 minute break from work, many believe breaks are key to continued concentration, focus, brain function, energy, calmness and creativity—all of which are essential to a productive and happy work environment. Read more >

    Posted in Best Practices, City Clerk Cafe, Office Efficiency, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Five Reasons Work Breaks Are Important

    Having a Bad Day at Work?

    By Black Mountain Software | Published July 17, 2018

    “’Cause you had a bad day
    You’re taking one down
    You sing a sad song just to turn it around
    You say you don’t know
    You tell me don’t lie
    You work at a smile, and you go for a ride
    You had a bad day” – Daniel Powter.

    If there were no bad days, there would be no songs about them. But try as we might to avoid them, they happen to everyone. So, if you feel one coming on, it’s ok! Here are some ways you can mitigate it to prevent your bad day from becoming worse.

    How to Get Through a Bad Day At Work

    Give yourself some space

    It’s not always a case of mind over matter. Read more >

    Posted in Best Practices, City Clerk Cafe, Office Efficiency, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Having a Bad Day at Work?

    Welcome to Colquitt, Georgia

    By Black Mountain Software | Published July 5, 2018

    We love a good underdog story, especially when it involves one of our clients. Colquitt, Georgia has a rich history and like many small towns, has had its fair share of adversity to overcome. After its population peak in the 50s, the influx of new technology led to the loss of low-skilled farming jobs and the outsourcing of manufacturing gigs.

    By the early 90s, the town was dying and it broke lifer Joy Jinks’ heart. But with the help of a big city director she met at a leadership retreat, they found an unconventional way to reinvent and save their town: Swamp Gravy, a play comprised of local stories that celebrated Colquitt’s way of life, named after a stew-like dish with fried “fish drippings” and whatever happens to be on-hand. Read more >

    Posted in City Clerk Cafe, Customer Spotlight, Small Cities, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Welcome to Colquitt, Georgia

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