Council asked for more data before committing to expanded language‑access contract

City staff updated finance committee members on a contract for language‑access services provided by Language Matters and asked council to consider continuing or expanding the program.

The mayor and Chris (staff/advocate) said the pilot showed growing usage: staff said initial use was under 100 users and rose to roughly 300–500 users within months as the vendor marketed the service. Chris said the pilot currently covers Spanish language services during core daytime hours under a $24,000 contract and that Language Matters can add other languages (for example Haitian Creole) and expanded hours under more expensive contracts (one option cited at about $30,720 for expanded coverage).

Committee members asked operational questions: who has access, how departments use the service and the vendor's hours. Staff said the vendor provides phone and text translation and that some departments already use it; others reported they had not yet used the service. Staff said the pilot contract runs through the end of the month and that there are encumbered contractual funds sufficient for an additional two months of service.

Council members asked for usage metrics and for the vendor to demonstrate the system to the committee. One council member suggested staff seek a one‑month contract extension using the current encumbrance so the city can collect more usage data and have the vendor demonstrate the service in person. Staff agreed to send up‑to‑date usage reports and to ask the vendor for expanded hours and language options and pricing.

Ending: The committee tabled a long‑term funding decision and directed staff to (1) seek an interim one‑month extension using existing encumbered contract funds, (2) obtain detailed usage statistics and department reports, and (3) invite the vendor to demonstrate the service to council or committee before any multi‑year commitment.