Explanation
Background:
This ordinance authorizes an extension and increase of an existing contract for the ongoing development and hosting of the E-File/E-Pay processing system of the Income Tax Division by First Data Government Solutions. This legislation will extend the contract period through August 1, 2010 and provide funding for hosting of the application and any change orders arising during that period.
FirstData Government Solutions has been the developer and host for the Income Tax E-File application from its inception in 2004. The Division is engaged in the ongoing development of the application to better serve Columbus taxpayers. Currently, the Division is working with FirstData to facilitate the on-line payment of delinquent accounts and the submission of on-line filings and payments by businesses and individual taxpayers required to file something more than a basic return. In addition to developing new aspects of the application, FirstData, at the request of the Division, is constantly refining and upgrading the existing application.
FirstData's contract compliance number is 59-2957887 and they are contract compliant until 11/10/2011.
Due to the critical nature of this ongoing development and hosting of the E-File/E-Pay processing system, and in an effort to avoid any delays in taxpayer submissions, this legislation is declared an emergency.
Fiscal Impact:
$185,000 was budgeted for the E-File/E-Pay processing system and funds are available within Department 22-02 General Fund 01-100, Character 03, Minor Object 3348, Index Code 220202.
Title
To authorize the City Auditor to modify and increase the current contract with First Data Government Solutions to provide for ongoing hosting and development services for the Income Tax E-File/E-Pay processing system; to authorize the expenditure of $185,000 from the General Fund. ($185,000); and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, a need exists in the daily operations of the Office of the Auditor, Income Tax Division that it is necessary to modify and increase the existing contract with First Data Government Solutions for the hosting and ongoing development of the E-File/E-Pay processing system to be paid through August I, 2010; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to provide for an amendment to the original agreement, as previously amended, to ensure uninterrupted and enhanced service to users; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Income Tax, Office of the Auditor in that it is necessary to authorize the City Auditor to modify the contract with First Data Government Solutions by extending the term and increasing the contract amount by $185,000 to ensure continuous and enhanced E-File/E-Pay service for the 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 Auditor be and is hereby authorized to modify the contract by extending the term and increasing the contract amount by $185,000 with First Data Government Solutions for the hosting and ongoing development of the e-File/E-Pay processing system.
Section 2. That the expenditure of $185,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized from Department 22-02, General Fund 010, Character 03, Minor Object 3348, Index Code 220202, to pay the cost thereof.
Section 3. 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 of ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.