Officials say problems with an email system used by Cass County Michigan are hampering government operations.

The South Bend Tribune reports the problems began several weeks ago when the email system used by Cass County became inoperable. Kerry Collins, information systems director for the county, said Monday that email functions have since improved but the system remains unreliable.

At times, some emails weren’t delivered as expected. Collins proposed switching to a different email system, but some commissioners balked at the more than $100,000 cost.

The commissioners plan to discuss possible solutions again at a meeting Thursday.

Last week, Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz highlighted the issue for the county’s Board of Commissioners. He noted that they’re “dealing literally with life and death issues.”