A steering committee tasked with finding and implementing a new system of software for the county government’s finances — something expected to cost about $1 million — has entered contract negotiations with a vendor.

The committee updated the Douglas County Commission on its progress at the commission’s weekly meeting Wednesday. Marni Penrod, chief deputy county clerk, said the steering committee has entered talks with SunGard for a new finance system that would help streamline the county’s financial system.

The current finance system was implemented in 1999, according to documents submitted to the county by Penrod.

The price tag hasn’t been settled, but Douglas County administrator Craig Weinaug said it would probably cost $1 million to $1.4 million. He said the county prepared for the costs by setting aside funds during the last several years.

The steering committee expects to bring a final contract to the County Commission by March 26.

In other business, the County Commission approved the solicitation of bids to replace ceiling grids and tiles in the Judicial Law Enforcement Center, a project anticipated to cost more than $75,000.