[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6259748,"mediaKeyId","3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a","parentId",3137489,"title","IT director outlines license increases, cloud plans and a phased laptop replacement program","audioSeconds",409,"startMs",6701000,"endMs",7110000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a&start=6701&end=7110","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a/thumbnail_6701000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6259748/Dearborn-Heights/Wayne-County/Michigan/IT-director-outlines-license-increases-cloud-plans-and-a-phased-laptop-replacement-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259748-c18f7357c60887255f504059f839d31d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187357&Signature=Zg1CneFqOXOYIIPMbx8W4YD3yL51KzPhJW4FJ4WuonLtnADqmgpnk2FOxnTJkLzB0rVW8S5YKC1AfVpZAZjFWnX-ajITyQ57Pzravkkra4pPUGPN1JYXgSWG5roQPtq~IUSuoNUFLpxBejRqr4fCksainmzr-54FY1WgFp8fhKesvZTiR6UlmP~ABvUspNkO1INAR5btf1r-SBiHw~pzUC5pcEdhE8VaZR4-B-RcLdWkTUalb0hJxG52j9BpbSrChoWoUkcaMylpVvlylM-t~ASu6WIVGG6H~GtUMP2OnHK29gyBRd9R4ydoezfebRxO6jET-VYTFAHy4QTuv4dYmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Dearborn Heights, MI","date","2025-04-23T00:00:00Z","article","The city’s IT director (Cooper) presented the IT budget and told council members that licensing increases and planned migration to cloud services are the principal drivers of an increased IT request.

Cooper said the city is in active discussions with the core financial software vendor (BS&A) about moving desktop services to the vendor’s cloud offering, and that staff expect a vendor meeting on migration and pricing. He said Microsoft licensing costs have risen and that some savings were achieved by renegotiating telecommunications contracts, but a net IT increase of roughly $64,000 over last year is reflected in the draft.

The IT director recommended a laptop replacement program on about a five‑year lifecycle; many municipal devices approach or do not meet Windows 11 minimum specifications and should be replaced with modern laptops that include next‑business‑day warranty coverage. Cooper also asked for capital to improve server/NAS storage for cable/video files and to support BS&A cloud migration if needed.

Cooper described the department as effectively a “department of 1” with a half‑time assistant and said he is exploring internship options to supplement capacity for projects such as scanning and plan‑review implementation. Council members praised the work and asked Cooper to circulate a prioritized replacement schedule and vendor cost estimates for consideration in the capital plan.

No final capital appropriation was adopted; council asked for specific pricing and a project timeline to accompany any future capital request.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4/23/25 - Dearborn Heights Budget Study Session #3","oneSentenceSummary","The city’s IT director said Microsoft licensing costs and cloud migration discussions with the finance system vendor are driving higher IT service costs; the department requested capital for end‑of‑life laptops and server/storage upgrades while noting staffing is a single‑person operation plus a part‑time assistant.","taxTitle","Dearborn Heights, Wayne County, Michigan","taxId",4162,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6259752,"Cable/PEG staff seek capital for studio, streaming and equipment upgrades; council asks for project plan",597,6292000,6889000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a&start=6292&end=6889","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a/thumbnail_6292000.jpg","/articles/6259752/Dearborn-Heights/Wayne-County/Michigan/CablePEG-staff-seek-capital-for-studio-streaming-and-equipment-upgrades-council-asks-for-project-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259752-677ba4a0b61afce119a56e616c482677/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187357&Signature=AXzRlhMxI7IFYei8CY~xlRvktETEyu8klYVPmwxN~C5hUa4MLbpiwOeKH6ADJbqCbNL1X6UwNkS3kWLUjefhbKiJC9fNWGCfadL9vkycv4D0qwjlvypD~Au1V~MndiX6Z6Kg2jwN7o6cCI0NyxlFGZCoe95zf5K5-np0OSrSD6I3lWK-Mvw2r8phZC4lPxC858wYDbQ8eKe9VeYrMrwoeTxUy~h~ViQkbnX3VSs~dHjUZMhtce-KlzTQiXwwL5~M~799np~fLg9kv0D-4sl9lT2S~F8OEAYHHfxpRpG4~G7UIuiuS~7Jp9z9j0TVg2rrqYmID4BqSjGD69a7~EPiQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cable/PEG staff told the council they plan to pursue capital investments funded from PEG (Public, Educational and Governmental) funds to improve the city’s streaming and in‑building display capabilities.

Angela, the city’s cable/PEG staff member, said the city’s channel and streaming service have intermittent outages for some subscribers (AT&T and others) and that she had been rebooting systems and coordinating with providers. “AT&T is really hit and miss,” Angela said, and she advised residents to contact their provider in isolated cases while staff continues system resets and vendor follow‑up.

On capital, staff asked to keep a PEG capital request available for projects such as improved cameras, studio lighting, a more capable server/NAS for video files and fixed cameras in library meeting rooms for automatic streaming. Staff said existing portable cameras shoot 4K for events but that better lighting, stabilized mounts, DSLRs and studio infrastructure would improve the look of recorded material and allow preconfigured, automated meeting and event streams.

Council members asked for a formal master plan and a line‑item list of proposed purchases and costs before approving a large lump appropriation. One council member suggested the cable department prepare a project plan and vendor estimates; staff agreed to produce a detailed proposal for council review. PEG funds (audit showed about $1.2 million; treasurer noted a larger balance may be available in bank accounts) were discussed as the appropriate funding source for these capital items; any purchase above council approval thresholds would return to council for authorization.

Council did not authorize a large immediate outlay but agreed staff should provide a prioritized plan and cost estimates for equipment, studio improvements and deployment in public buildings.","Cable/PEG staff asked the council to use PEG funds for equipment and studio upgrades to improve video quality across municipal channels and to fund displays in city buildings; council asked for a project plan and presentation before committing larger sums.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6259756,"Ordinance and animal‑control staff press for more officers, clothing allowances and higher director pay; animal services contract budget to rise",1639,4900000,6539000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a&start=4900&end=6539","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a/thumbnail_4900000.jpg","/articles/6259756/Dearborn-Heights/Wayne-County/Michigan/Ordinance-and-animalcontrol-staff-press-for-more-officers-clothing-allowances-and-higher-director-pay-animal-services-contract-budget-to-rise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259756-77c2b0fa9771752e21363d03d84e0d83/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187357&Signature=BI4z0RoImJzGjm90acL1tnoa1Rjv0IXC3XZ9XBfrDULnntNMuf2wq3sYhL0Vig90bE5sAXYuu1f-oTvPEvJq88AjZhb7-PVegnDSBNWKquP857tZxRduIpxelUQhiIYklwC9k45x3INpmlalKeZbSW7nbR7qHg6H0g4h9oBm~qyBu7xqVQvgvXDwID6UlnB2alClBWVEXihorO~u9B79BTyW8wo9SJpf1eH9TkEyZaDJimkXl-yAJA03UooSzvrMBcMlCOyIi5KnvqkaXCc7CoiahqeeUnPf6VP9~orkeIKDBaoDaDgjHAOuzvxH4rtGO92SrkPhUKdQBKMLzaIfng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ordinance and animal‑control staff told the council they are short‑staffed and need additional full‑time positions and budget support to keep up with high call volumes and animal calls.

The ordinance director said the department is shown as 10 employees on the personnel page but currently has nine filled positions; a part‑time hire will start May 1. He reminded council members that the city previously passed a resolution calling for additional ordinance officers and asked the administration to honor that staffing level; he asked that the budget reflect the full number of positions the council has approved.

On uniforms, animal‑control staff requested a clothing allowance to cover shirts, pants and boots that wear out during field work. The animal‑control director said the department has already placed orders for shirts and pants and asked the council to transfer a modest balance to the next fiscal year to cover additional purchases; council members agreed to move $1,000 forward as an interim accommodation.

Council and staff also discussed director compensation for ordinance. Administration noted the ordinance director’s salary is among the lowest of department directors (about $80,000) and several council members recommended raising the director’s pay toward an $85,000 threshold to match peers; no final salary adjustment was adopted during the session.

On contracted animal services, staff told the council the contract with the provider (discussed as the city’s animal‑care contractor) will require an increased appropriation to cover the vendor’s new rates and any quarantine or euthanasia costs the city is responsible for when the owner cannot be identified. Staff recommended increasing the line to cover the contract; a staff member proposed raising the line to roughly $117,000 (from a lower budgeted amount) to create a modest cushion to pay contractual obligations and animal care costs.

Staff and council members repeatedly framed the ordinance office as a high‑call, high‑demand department that frequently fields resident complaints and suggested the council should continue examining pay and staffing levels during contract negotiations and future budget amendments.","Ordinance and animal‑control leadership requested more full‑time officers, a modest clothing allowance, and an increase in the director’s salary; staff also warned the city’s animal‑care contract (noted in the packet) requires a higher annual appropriation to cover contracted services and euthanasia/quarantine costs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6259762,"Council debates raise for Building & Engineering director; department asks for engineer staffing, online payments and plan‑review upgrades",2708,1453000,4161000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a&start=1453&end=4161","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a/thumbnail_1453000.jpg","/articles/6259762/Dearborn-Heights/Wayne-County/Michigan/Council-debates-raise-for-Building-Engineering-director-department-asks-for-engineer-staffing-online-payments-and-planreview-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259762-0e03632475c4bc6df63f70e88b332ddc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187357&Signature=BYR~mUXBDgxIeQYL2B8Ba2~F-sXhPCCU~aKim9wxwtN05tek~geYwhWAry6jBCGIFS9hud65-B-7RE5LKluGk11~no0AZQl1luc3ym0EltZKVrCNxXkkl8CFhD8awFslxf~nU4FXS~79oFLv6W4elBAdF0-bwp1sUVe7XHcysroc4SbDhEX9UZ-EMgzfuFOCUYSPGg30-OdFTykpwiF21VKN17Py0FcL9TnXp~mctE8IRjLZn1iCIi9c5jq7G8-bPCRAm7ZS5BFBrLEtC8K-xoXaMtoJJ68mhpjKdQe~LAi9SioeQVfbDfeQZJmSX~xzNqHNyCd2Yc0Zp65hAymKXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members and building and engineering staff spent more than an hour on personnel, overtime and technology during the Dearborn Heights budget study session, focusing on a proposed pay increase for the department director and on modernizing permit and plan‑review processes.

Council members discussed increasing Director Rick’s salary from the mid‑80,000s range to $100,000 to match other department directors. Multiple council members argued Rick is “underpaid and overworked” and noted the department has increased revenue since he took the post. At one point a council member said, “If anything, we’re saving money because of Rick.” Staff and council also recommended splitting out an engineering budget (department 372) so the city can allocate the engineer’s salary and time across the departments that benefit from that work.

Building‑department staff described how limited staffing and long training periods drive overtime: an office manager’s institutional knowledge and required union limitations mean some tasks cannot shift to union officers without higher pay rates. The department asked for an increased overtime line, additional clerical help, and for the council to consider funding a second full‑time clerk to reduce excessive overtime for a single employee.

Staff and council also discussed technology and process improvements related to permitting and inspections. Building staff said online permit submissions and inspection scheduling exist but the payment flow is not integrated; the department and the treasurer’s office are testing an integration with the city’s vendor (BS&A) and hoped to begin testing the payment link the following week. Director Rick said the systems “are supposed to be implemented with their system” but that payment was the remaining gap.

Capital requests included scanning files (estimated at $50,000–$75,000) and investment in plan‑review tools (large monitor or iPlan software) to enable electronic plan submissions and faster reviews. Council members urged staff to produce a full cost estimate and implementation plan for a future appropriation, and one council member asked staff to prepare a “master plan” for digital permitting and plan review.

Council and staff also reviewed the sidewalk repair program (a resident‑funded revolving account) and continued the conversation about dividing engineering salary costs across funds using a cost‑allocation program (the city is working with Maximus for that). No final salary decision was adopted during the session; council members asked administration and staff to return with final numbers and cost effects to the general fund.","Council members and building‑department staff discussed a proposed raise for Director Rick to bring his pay closer to peer departments, requested a separate engineering budget line, flagged overtime and staffing shortfalls, and pushed for online permit payment integration and plan‑review/scanning investments.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6259767,"Library director says revenues are expected to exceed expenditures; capital work and service increases planned",0,2702000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a&start=2702&end=2702","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137489-338c64c586fce8ea0bbebb54deb49d9a/thumbnail_2702000.jpg","/articles/6259767/Dearborn-Heights/Wayne-County/Michigan/Library-director-says-revenues-are-expected-to-exceed-expenditures-capital-work-and-service-increases-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259767-5929c1a552d47b9e9a06e8b4b973bbb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187357&Signature=ojOKCCg5tkpgxArebLECD8p7~gAMpZc3drCy2T7FpZRgoPipi91kpP6x-5oC2a1qBMICmT0fBTl9NO7~xYPHSa3DrrugonLPWiPTnm43gMoTaBNsA4V-etyf1GdO3mq9iZKMfwZEX3DmNfXpPNRJUaGUqKvxXlQX~IGkZNFjrLXuH8EymwPMqaCp4Wa-KQExzDxKNGleJBTQV8pICz7lBU9Mjbg51fYdmIg00bgflYDKkJrR00dzmdzXYI0hVj0ACUFwq6yW165EJkCAbup4jIJZig7bgMeUjcvSvBLILrVBypISSNKUD28J77Dj5M1PELbQb9-lFKLPEGzWD3PAPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Library director (unnamed) told the Dearborn Heights City Council during a budget study session that the library is projecting revenues will exceed expenditures this fiscal year and is asking for line-item adjustments ahead of the new fiscal year.

“So far this fiscal year the libraries are once again on schedule to have revenues exceed expenditures,” the library director said. The director told the council the library has raised some fees in line with inflation to reflect additional hours and staffing, and noted the libraries are open more hours than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The library reported circulation of about 170,000 items in the past year and 34,715 computer sessions, which the director described as “one of the highest usage rates in the States.” Foot traffic, program attendance, room use and computer access remain the services patrons use most, the director said.

The library’s requested budget changes include: a planned modest increase in salaries, a $15,000 increase in contract services, an increase of $10,000 for dues and memberships (the line covers ebooks and eaudiobooks), and a $30,000 reduction in the capital outlay line pending a firm architect’s estimate for a restroom renovation at the CK branch. The director said that capital outlay was “significantly boosted from last year” in the preliminary request because of the planned bathroom work but that the precise cost is not yet known.

On non-tax revenue, the director described expected increases in state aid tied to a county recalculation of the penal-fine disbursement formula and said the library may receive a one-time lump-sum correction from the county. The director also noted the library’s operating model: it receives “some state money and TIFA aside” but is “by and large a self supporting entity” funded primarily through its annual millage.

Council members asked for clarifications on several lines: a missing $12,000 for high‑speed internet for both buildings, an adjustment to a retiree payout line that might shift between fiscal years depending on beneficiary identification, and a $5,000 raise in the salary recommendation captured on the personnel page. The director confirmed the $12,000 internet cost had not been added and asked staff to note the omission.

The director said the projected end‑of‑year net revenue over expenditures would be about $157,887 after accounting for the added $12,000 telephone/internet cost and other adjustments, and that total city fund balances include all funds on the final page of the packet.

The director also told the council the library is pursuing a multi‑year maintenance and upgrade program for both buildings and plans to add to its fund balance to cover long‑term capital needs when existing bonds expire. On AI, the director said the libraries have discussed tagging books to speed cooperative processes and that browsers used by patrons may include AI tools, but the library does not currently license or operate a standalone AI service for core processes.

Council members praised the library’s usage and encouraged work on the capital estimates and the personnel lines so final numbers can be reflected in the budget.","City library staff told the council that library operations are projecting revenue to exceed expenditures this fiscal year, cited heavy computer and program use, and asked for targeted increases in wages, contract services and digital materials while deferring a final capital cost for a bathroom renovation until estimates arrive.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

IT director outlines license increases, cloud plans and a phased laptop replacement program

Cable/PEG staff seek capital for studio, streaming and equipment upgrades; council asks for project plan

Ordinance and animal‑control staff press for more officers, clothing allowances and higher director pay; animal services contract budget to rise

Council debates raise for Building & Engineering director; department asks for engineer staffing, online payments and plan‑review upgrades

Library director says revenues are expected to exceed expenditures; capital work and service increases planned