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Bolivar council approves VC3 contract for IT backups and cybersecurity; VC3 to pursue grant support
Summary
Council approved contracting with VC3 for IT backup and cybersecurity services after reviewing three proposals; VC3 offered an initial free period and staff said grant funding could offset the ongoing $89,000 annual cost if awarded.
Council voted to contract with VC3 for city IT backups and cybersecurity after staff presented three professional-service proposals from VC3, C Spire, and Think Guard. Staff described cybersecurity and 24/7 monitoring as a federal and state expectation and recommended VC3 as the lowest-cost option with an introductory offer.
Council heard that VC3 proposed an annual service price the city estimated at about $89,000 and an initial setup fee (amount presented in the meeting packet). VC3 offered to provide the remainder of the current budget year free if the city paid only the setup fee, and staff said they would work with VC3 and IT staff (Mick) to apply for grants that typically help rural communities obtain cybersecurity funding.
Councilors discussed the size of the contract and the absence of a prior budget line for the service; staff characterized the expense as necessary insurance against cyber incidents. One council member said: "It's like insurance... In the event that you do [have an attack], then you wish you had had it." The motion to accept VC3's proposal was made, seconded and carried; staff will coordinate implementation with the city's IT lead.
