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Delavan council funds fire‑department computer and IT upgrades after debate on volunteer IT support
Summary
Council authorized roughly $24,932 for computers, software and contracted IT support for the fire department after members raised concerns that volunteer personnel had been relied on for critical IT functions.
The Delavan Common Council authorized the fire department to purchase new computers and associated equipment and services totaling $24,932.12, after a discussion about funding and the department’s prior reliance on volunteer IT support.
The purchase authorizes the fire department to buy hardware from CDW‑G for $17,315.12; contract John Wisniewski for IT support labor ($3,000); subscribe to Microsoft Suite backup and open‑records retention at $31 per user per month; update antivirus on 13 devices ($8 per device per month for the remainder of 2025); and permit an approximate $1,500 allowance for miscellaneous labor and ancillary equipment. Council recorded the total as $24,932.12.
The item prompted extended council discussion. A council member identified as Mr. Miller said he supported the purchase but questioned why the expense had not been included in the fire department’s original budget and raised concerns about reliance on volunteers for IT: “I am in favor of this, but I have some concerns... I understand this wasn't included in the original budget for this year.”
Assistant (transcribed as) Bilski and other staff explained that compatibility issues with a new county dispatch system and outdated equipment made the purchase necessary. Mr. Bilski described the upgrade as future‑proofing the department: “All these items in the proposal really rectify all the fire department needs, taking them into the future 5 to 6 years.”
Council members pressed on funding. A council member noted that a recent vehicle tow settlement produced excess funds beyond vehicle replacement needs and that the council planned to use that excess settlement money rather than return it to the general fund to cover the purchase. Council members also said that prior informal IT support had been provided by volunteers and department personnel but that critical IT infrastructure should not rely on volunteers. One member said, “That does not seem appropriate for... city departments using volunteers for IT.” The meeting record shows the council approved the authorization after that exchange.
The motion included direction to align the fire department equipment with city IT specs and to create a replacement schedule. Staff noted the purchase will also improve interoperability with police systems and the county radio dispatch.
The council vote to authorize the purchase was recorded in the meeting minutes; staff and council requested follow‑up reporting and a replacement schedule for city IT asset management.
