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City increases IT investment, debates managed security and an AI policy
Summary
IT staff described a new city fiber network, additional software investments and stepped‑up cybersecurity monitoring. Board members urged considering outsourced managed security services for 24/7 protection and tasked IT with drafting a citywide AI policy; staff noted Microsoft Copilot licensing at about $300 per employee as a cost consideration.
The Board and IT leadership spent substantial time on March 9 reviewing technology investments, cybersecurity posture and an emerging citywide approach to AI.
Joyce, representing city IT, said the department (13 full‑time staff with two vacancies) is organized into desktop, system administration, network and programming/GIS teams and supports more than 30 departments. She reported the city launched its own fiber network in October (reducing dependence on managed third‑party fiber) and said one recent building connection cost under $5,000 as a one‑time expense.
Joyce also outlined software investments: more than 100 applications are under IT management and this budget adds a new citywide permitting system and ADA compliance tools. She emphasized cybersecurity upgrades: added monitoring, detection tools and investments intended to strengthen the city’s security posture and speed incident detection and response.
Board members and staff debated insourcing versus managed security services. One member encouraged exploring outsourced managed security providers to obtain 24/7 monitoring and access to a broader threat intelligence capability. Joyce noted some details about security posture are not appropriate for public discussion and suggested executive‑session follow‑up or confidential procurement discussions. Members asked IT to investigate options and to prepare a citywide AI policy; Joyce said the city is preparing that policy and noted a Microsoft Copilot license is about $300 per employee per year, which creates a budget tradeoff between immediate adoption and cost.
Next steps: IT will refine cybersecurity options (including managed service proposals), continue work on a citywide AI policy and return with cost estimates for proposed tools and staffing changes.
