IT presents FY26 capital list including printers, plotter and network switch replacements; aldermen ask for clearer bottom-line

City IT staff presented a draft FY2026 capital list to the Board of Aldermen on Aug. 21, including desktop and specialty printers, a large plotter for plan scanning, security camera expansion, network switch replacements recommended by the city's managed service provider and spare laptops and monitors. Why it matters: IT capital and maintenance costs affect multiple departments' workflows (plan review, 9‑1‑1 integration, building permit scanning) and can include ongoing maintenance contracts that raise annual operating costs in addition to one‑time purchases. Michael Bean, who presented the list, said the items included five printers (one dedicated to 9‑1‑1 depending on integration), a plotter replacement, a camera expansion to cover the dog park and a recommendation from the city's MSP that networking switches be replaced because they are beyond expected life. He said one budgeting error created a larger‑looking total because staff had considered splitting a big network purchase across two years, but he expected the list to change before formal budget hearings. Several aldermen sought clearer, single‑line bottom lines. "Give us the bottom line. Here's the total for the year and expenditure and capital improvements, and then what our monthly cost is going to be for 12‑month period," Alderman Osteen said. Michael Bean agreed to clarify total purchase amount versus recurring maintenance costs in the next presentation. Procurement notes: Bean said replacements for large network items may be phased; maintenance contracts will be associated with some purchases. Staff said department heads will meet with the city administrator and assistant city administrator to refine the list before inclusion in the proposed budget.