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Council approves River's Edge Hospital IT equipment purchase after hospital warns of unsupported firewall
Summary
River's Edge Hospital told the council its main firewall will be out of support in October; the council approved replacing networking equipment and accepted a three‑year financing proposal that increases the project total to $283,642.53 ($94,547.51/year).
River's Edge Hospital staff requested and received city council approval on Sept. 8 to proceed with a networking equipment upgrade after hospital staff warned the main firewall will be out of vendor support in October.
"We have a firewall out of support as of October. That means that we can't get updates for that. Puts us at a risk for breach and cyber attacks," Paula said, describing the scope of required work: replacing the main firewall, upgrading switches in emergency and surgery communication closets and improving wireless infrastructure. Paula said the cash price would be $273,215.36 but recommended a three‑year financing option that raises the total cost to $283,642.53, at about $94,547.51 per year.
Council members asked about procurement and pricing comparisons; Paula said staff reviewed state bid pricing and that the recommended vendors (Cisco and Marco) have provided long‑term local service and near‑term on‑site support. A council member noted capital purchases go through the hospital finance committee and hospital commission before reaching council for approval when above the threshold.
River's Edge staff said the purchase will be paid from hospital funds. By roll call the council approved the resolution authorizing the purchase to address end‑of‑support cybersecurity risk and to ensure continuity of critical hospital communications.
The approved action directs staff to proceed under the procurement approach described in the packet. The hospital foundation was also announced separately during reports, with an open house and fundraiser scheduled for Sept. 9.
