Columbus City Council approves $23M cybersecurity initiative and digital service contracts

Columbus City Council convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss several key ordinances aimed at enhancing city infrastructure and services without raising property taxes. A significant highlight was the council's commitment to continue a long-standing practice of allocating 25 cents from every income tax dollar to cover debt service, a strategy that has been in place since 1956. This approach allows the city to invest in infrastructure while keeping property taxes stable, with plans to engage voters on this matter in the upcoming November ballot.

In addition to the financial strategies, the council approved several ordinances focused on technological advancements and public health. One ordinance authorized a $96,018.10 contract for the continued digitization of legal documents, which is crucial for modernizing the city’s legal processes. Another ordinance allocated $258,000 for migrating the Columbus Department of Public Health to a new environmental health platform, ensuring the department can continue to meet state requirements and provide essential services.

The council also addressed cybersecurity by approving a $23 million investment in a zero-trust network model. This initiative aims to enhance the city’s IT infrastructure by implementing strict access controls across its network, thereby protecting sensitive data and preventing potential breaches. The project is expected to take two years and will involve upgrading over 20,000 pieces of network equipment across city facilities.

Further discussions included the authorization of a $352,000 contract for auditing services, ensuring timely financial reporting, and a $12.5 million increase for architectural services related to the new municipal court building project. The council also approved funding for custodial services at the Columbus Police Academy and vehicle repair services for the city’s fleet management division.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's focus on maintaining fiscal responsibility while advancing critical infrastructure and public health initiatives, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Columbus residents.