LONG BEACH - Backers of a bid to revamp Long Beach's website and accompanying content management system say the move could increase convenience and save money delivering services.
The City Council approved a motion Tuesday by a 7-2 vote directing city staff to work with the Port of Long Beach and other interested parties on a "24-Hour Online City Hall" website concept and report findings back to the council within 30 days.
Cost of the project is estimated at between $500,000 and $600,000.
Councilman Robert Garcia, the legislation's sponsor, said the city's current website and software was made in 2004 and is outdated.
"I think that there's opportunities to create a really more efficient, more accessible and more innovative system," Garcia said.
The proposal was co-sponsored by council members Gary DeLong and Patrick O'Donnell.
If the plan moves ahead, money would be drawn from an estimated surplus of about $15.4 million available in the city's oil fund.
The surplus has been marked for one-time improvements to infrastructure at a time when the city has little room in its budget for projects that would be routine during better economic times.
City leaders are working to close a $20.3 million budget deficit before the Sept. 15 deadline to pass a budget the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.
Garcia was cognizant of the appearance created by looking at upgrading the city website - at a potential price of more than a half
million dollars - during a difficult budget.
He said most of the cost is an investment in a system that would ultimately save money by allowing many city services to be accessed online.
"The website is a fraction, a fifth of the cost," said Garcia. "Most of the cost is the back-end software."
Councilman James Johnson supported the motion and taking up the issue when the budgeting process ends.
"I think it's important to come back after the budget and look at all the different needs ... and prioritize accordingly," Johnson said.
Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, who voted against Garcia's proposal along with Councilwoman Gerry Schipske, questioned the motion's timing when the city is preparing to cut public safety, library services and parks.
"I would put that on the wish list," Gabelich said of a new website, "but it would come way after all of the cuts we are talking about that would actually reduce the quality of service in the city."
Source:
http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_18752251
The City Council approved a motion Tuesday by a 7-2 vote directing city staff to work with the Port of Long Beach and other interested parties on a "24-Hour Online City Hall" website concept and report findings back to the council within 30 days.
Cost of the project is estimated at between $500,000 and $600,000.
Councilman Robert Garcia, the legislation's sponsor, said the city's current website and software was made in 2004 and is outdated.
"I think that there's opportunities to create a really more efficient, more accessible and more innovative system," Garcia said.
The proposal was co-sponsored by council members Gary DeLong and Patrick O'Donnell.
If the plan moves ahead, money would be drawn from an estimated surplus of about $15.4 million available in the city's oil fund.
The surplus has been marked for one-time improvements to infrastructure at a time when the city has little room in its budget for projects that would be routine during better economic times.
City leaders are working to close a $20.3 million budget deficit before the Sept. 15 deadline to pass a budget the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.
Garcia was cognizant of the appearance created by looking at upgrading the city website - at a potential price of more than a half
million dollars - during a difficult budget.
He said most of the cost is an investment in a system that would ultimately save money by allowing many city services to be accessed online.
"The website is a fraction, a fifth of the cost," said Garcia. "Most of the cost is the back-end software."
Councilman James Johnson supported the motion and taking up the issue when the budgeting process ends.
"I think it's important to come back after the budget and look at all the different needs ... and prioritize accordingly," Johnson said.
Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, who voted against Garcia's proposal along with Councilwoman Gerry Schipske, questioned the motion's timing when the city is preparing to cut public safety, library services and parks.
"I would put that on the wish list," Gabelich said of a new website, "but it would come way after all of the cuts we are talking about that would actually reduce the quality of service in the city."
Source:
http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_18752251
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