Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Increase in City Staffing by Two Full-Time, Project-Funded Positions to Support the Procurement and Implementation of a New Financial Management and Information Technology Solution
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution approving an increase in City staffing by two full-time, project-funded positions to support the procurement and implementation of a new financial management and information technology solution.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution increasing City staffing by two full-time, project-funded positions to support the procurement and implementation of a new financial management and information technology solution.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager - Strategic Initiatives (360) 753-8499
Presenter(s):
None - Consent item only.
Background and Analysis:
The City’s current financial management software system was purchased in the 1980’s and does not meet the business needs of the City. It is inefficient, outdated technology that is difficult to use, lacks reporting functions for analysis and decision-making, and does not integrate with other software applications.
In November 2020, the City contracted with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) to identify and implement improved business processes based on industry best practices, develop a Request for Proposals for a new technology solution, and facilitate the selection process so the City procures the best solution for the best value. The City is on track to launch the RFP process by the end of March.
Implementation is anticipated to start in 2022 and continue through 2024. The City needs a full-time Performance Management Specialist skilled in process improvement and change management to serve as the Project Manager, and a full-time Senior Accountant to ensure the day-to-day business of the City continues while the City’s financial system of record is successfully transitioned and implemented in a new technology solution.
The City has $1.1M dedicated to this project. The cost to fund the two, temporary project-funded positions is approximately $165,000 annually through 2024. The overall cost of the project will be determined once the technology solution and vendor is selected later in 2021. A funding strategy to purchase and maintain the new system will be presented to Council at that time.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
A new financial management and information system will enhance the City’s accountability and transparency. A new system will allow staff to track and report financial information easier and faster and communicate it in a way that is easy to understand for the non-financial person.
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution authorizing an increase in City staffing by two full-time, project-funded positions to support the procurement and implementation of a new financial management and information technology solution.
2. Direct staff to make changes to the Resolution based on feedback from Council and approve an amended Resolution approving an increase in City staffing by two full-time, project-funded positions to support the procurement and implementation of a new financial management and information technology solution.
3. Do not approve the Resolution and direct staff to develop an alternative staffing solution to procure and implement the project.
Financial Impact:
Funding for the two project-funded positions will come from existing project reserves of $1.1 million. An estimate for the full project will be refined once a software vendor is selected.
Attachments:
Resolution