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Council authorizes $244,000 upgrade to Windows 11‑capable hardware to avoid security risks
Summary
The council approved a purchase and replacement program to move city computers to Windows 11-compatible hardware, telling staff to use several local funds to cover the cost in order to lock in vendor discounts.
The Washington City Council authorized the replacement of older city computers so devices can meet Microsoft’s Windows 11 hardware requirements and remain supported after Microsoft ends Windows 10 security updates on Oct. 14.
City IT staff and vendor NOC presented a proposal that would replace approximately 102 devices, upgrade six devices, and leave about 30 already on Windows 11 unchanged. Staff said a department-by-department review reduced the replacement count by 19 devices. The vendor offered a 10% discount if the city commits by the near-term deadline; staff said waiting could increase the price by 10%–15% or eliminate discounts.
The council authorized the roughly $244,000 procurement and agreed to fund it from capital improvement sales tax, the library fund (for library devices), the volunteer fire fund (fire department portion of $28,142) and sewer and water enterprise funds (about $22,000). The project is on an eight-week timeline starting in June, staff said.
Council debate and vote: council members and staff discussed the timing and security implications; staff warned that Microsoft will stop security patches for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, and the city cannot recommend continued operation on unsupported software. Councilmember Pepsel moved to approve the procurement; Briggs seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.
Clarifying details: staff told the council that many replaced devices are near five years old and likely unsuitable for Windows 11 upgrades; resale value is low. Staff said there is minimal alternative to replacement if the city wants continued security patching and to avoid network risk.
Implementation: NOC and city IT will schedule device replacements starting in June; staff said the replacement timeline is approximately eight weeks and that pricing was contingent on ordering within the vendor discount window. The council instructed staff to proceed to avoid security exposure.
