by James Coulter
The City of Lake Wales may be upgrading its aging computer network, as city commissioners are considering purchasing new devices for approximately $82,000.
At their workshop meeting on Tues. Aug. 27, Lake Wales City Commissioners considered a resolution to authorize the one-time expenditure of $82,483 to purchase new network devices.
Kevin Sunderland, Chief Information Officer, in the city agenda memo, warned that the city’s network infrastructure was aging and that devices needed to be replaced.
He claimed these purchases could be made utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, ” as allowed by Section 2-403(D) of the City’s Code of Ordinances.”
“The City’s existing network infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life and requires replacement,” he wrote. “These devices will enhance the performance and reliability of the critical core network, extending its operational lifespan to five years.”
Commissioner Keith Thompson inquired about the current age of the devices being utilized by the city’s network. City Manager James Slaton said the devices in question were nearing five years old, and that these devices needed to be replaced every five years.
Slaton averred that the device was “a critical item that needs to be replaced every five years.” He assured the commissioners that the funding for its replacement would come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund and not the city’s general fund.
