HomeMy WebLinkAboutIII (H) Authorization to Transfer Monies from the Salary Account to Computer Equipment/ Software Account Agenda 6-05-2001
II Item III H
TO: The Honorable Mayor and Board of City Commissioners ��
FROM: Greg Ek-Collins, Communications Manager w'
DATE: May 29, 2001
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER MONIES FROM THE SALARY
ACCOUNT TO COMPUTER EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE ACCOUNT
STAFF REPORT
ISSUE
Should the Honorable Mayor and Board of City Commissioners authorize the transfer of monies,
not to exceed S6,500.00, from account number 001-529-00-1200 (Regular Salaries) to account
number 001-529-00-6405 (Computer Equipment/Software) to purchase a laptop computer with
required accessories and docking station, air card, UPS, and software to be utilized by the
Communications Manager. The purchase of this equipment will allow us to properly equip the
Conmtunications Manager position approved during this current budget year.
BACKGROUND
During the budget process and final approval of the budget for this fiscal year, the position of a
Communications Manager was approved. Upon looking at the budget print out for the
Communications Department it was discovered that they currently do not have any money allocated
for the purchase of a computer and related items for the Communications Manager. In order for the
Communications Manager to efficiently perform his duties as assigned and be responsible for the
overall operations of the Communications Center, it is necessary that he have a computer.
DISCUSSION
Due to the need to have critical resource data and information available for access 24 hours a day,
regardless of whether the Communications Manager is on duty or off duty, it would be most
beneficial to the city to purchase a laptop computer rather than a desktop unit. The reasoning entails
a proactive mitigation approach for management of the Communications Center. There are
emergency situations that occur after hours that requires the communications manager to he able to
make rapid decisions and take immediate action to resolve the problem(s). Having a mobile laptop
computer platform with all resource data and information immediately available will provide the
manager with the ability to rapidly assess situations and utilize the appropriate resources in a quic
and efficient a manner.... even prior to the manager responding to the communications center.
Staff Report
Transfer of Monies to Capital
May 29, 2001
Page 2
This can prevent delays in initiating corrective measures that could be up to 30-60 minutes
depending on conditions and response times. The Communications Manager also has emergency
management responsibilities that will take place during any disaster situation. The utilization of a
laptop computer permits the flexibility of rapid movement and utilization during emergency
activations of our Emergency Operations Center.
RECOMMENDATION
It is respectfully recommended that the Honorable Mayor and Board of City Commissioners approve
this request to transfer funds, not to exceed $6,500, from the Regular Salaries Account to the
Computer Equipment/Software Account within the Communications Center's current budget to
purchase a laptop computer with docking station and required accessories for the Communications
Manager.