IT director warns of added costs tied to new police station and difficulty hiring cybersecurity staff at current salaries

Carlos Castillo, the city’s IT director, presented the FY27 IT budget to the Budget & Finance Committee on June 1 and flagged significant increases in purchasing-of-service costs driven by new licensing, leased copiers and redundancy needs associated with the new police station.

Castillo said the budget includes an estimated net increase of roughly $173,000 and noted specific items: an incremental $13,000 for the police station’s main internet connection, roughly $50,000 for additional copiers and printing, and higher ongoing licensing fees. He said that, while he will try to manage within the proposed appropriation, he may return later in the fiscal year to request additional funds if actual costs for operating the new facility exceed estimates.

On cybersecurity staffing, Castillo told the committee he is seeking a dedicated cybersecurity specialist but expects difficulty recruiting at current salary levels. "$100,000 is not going to cut it for a good cybersecurity person," Castillo said, adding that the department may defer hiring if it cannot attract a qualified candidate at a fiscally sustainable rate.

Councilors asked whether the IT budget fully anticipates ongoing operational needs at the new police station and whether IT has identified specific lines that could be cut if hiring proves impossible. Castillo said the department has estimated costs conservatively and would seek to rework budget lines or request an amendment if necessary.