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 RW: kbm\blicompu, cc