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Council weighs using in-house officers for IT duties, training and a part-time communications role
Summary
Council discussed assigning an existing officer with cybersecurity training (Cameron Reynolds) to provide weekday IT support instead of hiring a full-time IT specialist, and considered training and a part-time communications/web position funded in part from HOT funds or general fund allocations.
Alice City Council members discussed IT capacity and communications support during the Aug. 26 meeting, considering lower-cost alternatives to hiring a full-time IT specialist.
Staff said the city currently relies on CrowdStrike for cybersecurity protection and described the workload and downtime risks when IT issues arise. The police department and other departments have identified an officer, Cameron Reynolds, who has cybersecurity training and who could provide weekday IT support while remaining on a police schedule; staff presented this as a potential cost-saving arrangement that would use existing personnel rather than adding a full salaried IT role.
Council members also discussed sending staff to municipal-management conferences and technical training; staff estimated attendance and travel could raise total costs to roughly $1,200–$1,800 depending on location and travel. Hector (a staff member in IT) described an annual municipal IT conference (TAG ITM) as useful for managerial networking and operational ideas.
On communications and outreach, councilors suggested expanding the website and social-media activity, potentially through a part-time communications coordinator paid from a combination of general and HOT (hotel occupancy tax) funds or through a recurring contract with a vendor. Staff noted an intern had previously supported website updates and that a recurring, dedicated position would improve continuity and off-boarding processes.
Council asked staff to identify funding options, define duties for a communications role, and return with recommendations on training needs and a possible intern or part-time hire.
