Explanation
BACKGROUND:
In 2004, the Income Tax Division requested proposals through the Purchasing Office and these proposals were evaluated by a committee of representatives from the Income Tax Division, the Department of Technology, the Deputy Auditor and the City Treasurer. It was determined that First Data Government Solutions, formerly GovConnect, had the municipal government experience and product that would best serve the needs of the city and its taxpayers.
It was originally intended that the initial contract for the electronic payment services provided to the Income Tax Division would be the basis for the web platform for electronic payment services to other agencies in the city. Due to these existing interfaces between the city's web platform and the e-payment engine provided by First Data Government Solutions, it was recommended that the Department of Public Utilities use their services for its electronic payment requirements. In addition, these services are now used by the Department of Public Service, Division of Planning and Operations and the Building and Zoning Services Department.
On February 27, 2012 Columbus City Council passed ordinance number 0316-2012, authorizing the City Treasurer to enter into contract on behalf of the aforementioned agencies with First Data Government Solutions for electronic payment services for the period March 1, 2012 through February 28, 2013.
The City Treasurer now wishes to modify its contract with First Data Government Solutions, LP for on-line consumer payments credit card processing services to provide additional resources to the Department of Public Utilities under this contract. The amount of the modification is $72,000 bringing the total amount of the contract to $325,500.00
Emergency action is requested in order that there is no interruption in credit card payment services available to the customers of the Department of Public Utilities.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is sufficient budget authority within the 2012 appropriations for Public Utilities, Power and Water for these expenditures.
Contract Compliance: First Data Government Solutions 582582959, expiration 11/22/13.
Title
To authorize the City Treasurer to modify its contract with First Data Government Solutions, LP for services necessary for electronic payments on behalf of the departments of Public Utilities, Public Service and Building and Zoning Services; to authorize the expenditure of $72,000 from the water operating fund; and to declare an emergency. ($72,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, there is a need in the city for an electronic payment system to accommodate customers' requests for convenient and secure methods of bill payments; and
WHEREAS, the City Treasurer wishes to provide additional resources under the contract on behalf of the Department of Public Utilities; and
WHEREAS, emergency action is requested so there is no interruption in credit card payment services available to the customers of the Department of Public Utilities; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the city, in that it is immediately necessary to modify the contract with First Data Government Solutions, LP for electronic bill payment services on behalf of the departments of Public Utilities, Public Service and Building and Zoning Services for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Treasurer be and is hereby authorized to modify its contract with First Data Government Solutions, LP for the purchase of electronic payment services and authorize the expenditure of an additional $72,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary, as follows:
Dept/Division: 6009 | Fund: 600 | OCA: 602318 | Object level one: 03 | Object level three code: 3348 | Amount: $72,000.00 | Division of Power and Water
SECTION 2. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.