HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 B.L. COMP HW PRINTER 9-03-96NO. 9
9-3-96
I nter-Com
DATE:
SEPTEMBER 3, 1996
TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: COM/~3NITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJEC~ SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR BUSINESS LICENSE
' COMPUTER HARDWARE AND PRINTER
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council-authorize a supplemental budget appropriation
of $4,500 from the General Fund Reserves Account. These funds will
be used for purchase of a new computer, printer and hardware
accessories for business licensing.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City processed a Senate Bill (SB) 90 (State Mandate
Reimbursement Program) reimbursement request for Fiscal Year 93-94
to cover operating expenses incurred in processing and providing
the Franchise Tax Board with mandated business license information.
A portion of the reimbursement monies was intended to fund the
needed business license computer hardware and printer. On July 9,
1996 the Finance Department received the SB 90 reimbursement check
for $19,095. The Community Development Department is requesting a
supplemental budget appropriation of. $4,500 for the purchase of
computer hardware and a printer.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Many of the functions required by the Franchise Tax Board mandates
are not accessible because the current business license computer is
underpowered. The Business LicenSe Information System (BLIS)
acquired in 1995 is designed to operate on a 486. or higher
processor. The system is currently operating on a 386 IBM
compatible.
The original contract with MRC, the consultant who developed the
BLIS system, included providing the City with new upgraded software
once it become available. Access to the ~pgraded software will
permit the business license clerk to track multiple owners,
emergency contacts, access SIC codes, streets, cities and zip
codes. The new software upgrade requires more memory and
processing power to obtain full benefits of the program and MRC has
indicated that the software upgrade cannot be installed without the
.upgraded computer equipment.
City Council Report
Supplemental Budget Appropriation
September 3, 1996
Page 2
MRC has recommended'equipment that meets the minimum specifications
being proposed for the Citywide upgrade.
A new laser printer is being requested as part of this supplemental
appropriation. At the present time the business license clerk uses
a salvaged dot matrix printer to print business license
certificates. A new laser printer will allow certificates to be
printed in a more cost effective manner by using Plain paper
instead of the costly triplicate self mailer certificates now being
used. Within the next 90 days, the annual business license renewal
period is due-to commence. The new printer has the ability to
produce approximately 5,000 renewals and new business license
certificates in about 70% less time than the old dot matrix
printer.
Elizabeth A. Binsack
Director
Community Development Department
Ri~a WeStfield~
Assistant Director
Community Development Department
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