Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police It Upgrade topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears first reading to fund police IT upgrade after cybersecurity concerns; recurring costs tied to 9-1-1 reimbursements unclear
Summary
Council held first reading of ordinance 2025-12 to amend the FY25-26 budget for police IT equipment. Staff described urgent security needs, an expected annual recurring cost of about $122,350 and possible partial reimbursement from the 9-1-1 commission; county systems and recent cybersecurity incidents were discussed.
At the Sept. 8 meeting the council heard the first reading of ordinance 2025-12, which would amend the fiscal 2025–26 operating budget to authorize the purchase of IT equipment for the police department to address cybersecurity and aging systems.
IT staff explained the department’s systems are “ancient” and need upgrades to improve security. Jordan Anderson (identified in the record as an IT staff member) described a projected annual recurring cost after initial implementation of $122,349.84 and said part of that recurring expense is typically reimbursed by the county 9-1-1 commission; staff could not provide an exact reimbursement amount on the record and said the commission determines allowable reimbursements.
Councilors asked whether residents would pay twice for the same 9-1-1 service; staff responded no. A county representative had reportedly suggested a county-wide system might be available; staff said they would explore whether remaining linked to the county system or pursuing an in‑house approach made financial and security sense. Councilors asked if the city could identify budget savings across departments before adding recurring costs; staff said cross-budget analysis had not been completed and that IT staff had reviewed IT-specific budget lines.
Security context and grant prospects
Staff told council the impetus for moving ahead is cybersecurity concern and that Pickens County had experienced a cyber incident; staff said the city’s network ties to county systems made city vulnerability a concern. Chief Weiner and Jordan Anderson said that bringing critical services in-house and updating equipment would increase security, and council members verbally endorsed bringing stronger protections.
Staff also reported they are pursuing grant funding that could support police technology upgrades. Councilors asked whether a county official had recommended staying with the county system to avoid duplication of expense; staff said they would seek additional county conversations before committing.
What was decided
No final appropriation vote was recorded in the transcript excerpt; the ordinance was presented for first reading and staff will return with details of reimbursements, recurring costs and potential county coordination.
Key figures and clarifications
- Projected annual recurring cost after initial implementation: $122,349.84 (staff estimate recorded on the record).
- Grant discussions: staff said they expect further grant opportunities and were pursuing options to offset operating costs.
