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Council hears IT staffing and systems proposals as one member sharply criticizes finance operations and audit timeline
Summary
Finance staff proposed two cybersecurity positions and funding toward a replacement financial/HR system; Councilor Donner publicly expressed deep concerns about finance operations, audit timing and the department’s strategy for IT and RFP processes.
City finance and information services staff told the Bangor City Council on May 7 that they are seeking funding for two new information‑security positions and for continued investment in a new financial, land use and HR system; one councilor used the workshop to air serious concerns about finance operations and audit management.
Assistant city manager Courtney O’Donnell and finance presenters described two information‑security new‑program requests: a cybersecurity analyst and a cloud security analyst. Staff said the airport is currently required under federal rules to maintain an airport cybersecurity plan and that the positions would help meet existing federal reporting obligations, monitor cloud‑based programs and reduce the city’s exposure as more systems move to cloud services.
Finance staff also described a plan to add $225,000 in the current budget toward a combined financial/HR system; that amount would bring the city’s set‑aside to about $750,000 to permit the city to issue a bid for a new integrated system next year. Staff said the request is intended to position the city to replace aging financial software and to seek an integrated solution rather than buy separate systems that may not interoperate.
During the finance presentation, Councilor Donner delivered extended remarks criticizing the department’s strategic planning, the pace of IT modernization and what Donner described as problems with the city’s audit process and RFP handling. Donner said the materials on accomplishments and challenges lacked specificity, called for a dedicated IT department and said the city’s delay on airport common‑use systems and other technology had likely cost revenue and hampered service. “I have massive, massive concerns with this department, and I think it needs a massive, massive overhaul,” Donner said.
Other councilors and staff responded in part by urging professional conduct during public meetings and noting personnel‑confidentiality limits; staff also acknowledged ongoing work on cybersecurity and system replacements and said some requests were intended to get the city ahead of probable future federal requirements for other public infrastructure.
No personnel hires or system procurements were approved at the workshop; staff requested direction and possible budget additions for the two cybersecurity positions and the financial system set‑aside in advance of formal budget adoption.
