City IT director outlines $100,000 federal cybersecurity grant, no formal action

Tony Warkachesky, the city’s director of information technology, told the committee the city has an opportunity to use a $100,000 federal grant to buy a three-year managed detection and response (MDR) service.

The grant would cover the initial three-year subscription, Warkachesky said, and “it really is no ongoing commitment to the city.” He said the city could choose in 2028 either to cancel the subscription or to renew it; he estimated renewing the service in 2028 would cost “about $50,000 a year,” and added that any renewal would need to “survive our budget prioritization process.”

Alderperson Keane asked whether the council would consider the renewal well before the subscription end so the council could decide whether to keep the service. Warkachesky said that decision would likely be part of the 2028 budget process and that he or his successor would “advocate that we continue the service.”

Warkachesky also said the topic contained security-sensitive details and that he was “uncomfortable talking about it tonight in this venue.” The committee discussed having any finer points handled in closed session. No formal motion or vote was taken on procurement or acceptance of the grant during the meeting.

The IT director provided materials to committee members in advance and opened the item for questions and answers rather than a formal presentation. Committee members indicated staff should bring the matter back as part of regular budget planning and, if necessary, discuss sensitive procurement details in closed session.

Warkachesky’s talk was informational only; the committee did not take formal action on accepting or obligating the grant during the meeting.