During a recent government meeting, the city’s Information Technology (IT) department presented its new mission statement and budgetary needs for the upcoming fiscal year 2025. The focus is on providing reliable, secure, and innovative technology solutions to enhance city operations while prioritizing citizen service and data security.

Randy Stahl, the IT department head, outlined that the majority of the budget increase is attributed to inflationary costs affecting service agreements and equipment. A significant change includes a restructuring of Microsoft 365 licensing, which now requires payment for each city user, adding to operational expenses.

Key accomplishments highlighted include the successful migration to the new Microsoft 365 environment, improved continuity of operations, and the establishment of a disaster recovery plan. The department is also working on upgrading legacy systems and implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which is expected to streamline various city functions, including finance and human resources. Negotiations with Tyler Technologies resulted in savings of approximately $1.2 million on implementation costs.

However, the meeting also addressed potential budget cuts that could significantly impact cybersecurity measures. A proposed reduction of 50% in cybersecurity software and services could heighten risks of data theft, affecting both city staff and the public. Council members expressed concerns about the implications of these cuts, particularly regarding the city’s cybersecurity insurance and the potential for public data breaches.

Additionally, discussions included the possibility of reducing operational software and the impact on public services, such as the cclick fix application, which facilitates citizen reporting of issues. The council is considering alternative solutions to maintain public engagement while managing budget constraints.

The IT department is also exploring ways to reduce hardware costs by evaluating the necessity of providing both desktops and laptops to employees, as well as reviewing cell phone usage and invoices.

As the city navigates these budgetary challenges, the IT department aims to balance cost-saving measures with the need to maintain effective and secure technology services for the community.