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MINUTES OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE DECEMBER 4, 2023 AUDITORIUM Present: Councilmembers Shachner, Bullock, Kepple Also Present: Councilmembers Marx, Rader, Baker, Mayor George, Law Director Vargo, Finance Director Rancatore, Assistant Finance Directors Eddy and Schuster, Human Services Director Berry, Assistant Law Director Jaissle, Assistant Planning Director Baas, Building Commissioner Parmelee, Assistant Building Commissioner Wagner, Chief Information Officer Coletta Call to Order: 5:50 p.m. Approval of the minutes of the November 27, 2023 meeting of the Finance Committee Motion made by Councilmember Bullock, seconded by Councilmember Shachner to approve the minutes. Councilmembers Bullock and Shachner voted in favor. Councilmember Kepple absent. *** Information Technology Budget Presentation Chief Information Officer Michael Coletta presented on the IT budget, highlighting the accomplishments of 2023, which included the purchase and installation of 100 new PCs citywide, acquisition of new radio equipment for emergency services, ongoing efforts to add surveillance cameras and flock cameras, and the replacement of police body cameras with newer models. Mr. Coletta then outlined the proposed budget for 2024, emphasizing an 8% salary increase due to the addition of a third project manager and a 13% rise in fringe benefits owing to increased healthcare costs. He stated that another noteworthy change in the IT budget included a 29% decrease in professional services following the discontinuation of the Microsoft Azure subscription. He mentioned the proposed goals for 2024 which include: completing the PC replacement project, bringing servers back on the City’s premises to address escalating cloud computing costs, initiating a new server infrastructure capital project, replacing the payroll and benefits system with a modern HR capital management system, digitizing the Housing and Building Division’s plans and street files, starting a phased replacement of older police street cameras, and implementing a .gov domain for city emails. Mr. Coletta also noted the ongoing trend of rising cybersecurity costs due to increased cyberthreats. Councilmember Bullock raised a question regarding how the IT Department enhances efficiency and effectiveness at City Hall, emphasizing systematic approaches to save time, multiply staff effectiveness, and improve overall technological capabilities. In response, Mr. Coletta acknowledged the ongoing efforts by the IT Department to enhance outreach, noting that City departments regularly consider new technology when seeking solutions to their problems. He highlighted the collaborative relationship between the City’s departments and IT, where 1