07-26-1999 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Chuck Whiting, City Administrator From: Bruce A. Kessel, Finance Director Item Title/Subject: Budget transfer of $12,500 from General Fund's contingency fund to City Council capital equipment fund for laptop computers for the City Council Date of Report: July 16, 1999 It is my understanding that the City Council has requested that laptop computers be made available to them in order that they can access City business over the internet. The City presently has one laptop that is approximately 6 years old. Jim Hess has examined the laptop and has indicated that the computer would need approximately $500 worth of enhancements to try to access the internet, however, due to the age of the equipment, there is no guarantee that the enhancements would be successful in actually accessing the internet. Also, even if it was able to access the internet, the speed and quality would be poor at best, therefore, it was determined that it would not be a wise use of City resources to continue to explore upgrading the existing laptop. The purchase price of a new laptop with software and sales tax is approximately $2,500. If we were to purchase laptops for all five council members, the total cost would be $12,500. The 1999 budget did not anticipate this need, and no capital items were budgeted in the City Council department of the General Fund. Therefore, if we are to proceed with the purchase of one or more laptops, a budget transfer will have to be made. The Council had budgeted $49,000 in the General Fund and a portion of this could be transferred to proceed with this purchase.