Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Finance and Management Director associate any and all budget reservations for wireless services with Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless for wireless voice, data, GPS, modem services, and equipment. Funds for all of Public Safety's wireless cellular expenses were budgeted within the Division of Support Services' general fund budget as well as expansions in the Division of Polices’ general fund budget in order to leverage savings through the volume of use by all Safety personnel. There is an immediate need for the funding of the wireless communication services and devices for the Divisions of Police, Fire, Support Services and the Safety Director's Office as it supports critical operational activity for the entire Department of Public Safety.
Bid Information: The Purchasing Office has established a universal term contract PA000399 with Cellco Partnership for Verizon wireless services.
Contract Compliance: Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless Compliance No. CC001698 expired 9/24/2022.
Emergency Designation: This legislation is to be considered an emergency measure to allow for the immediate funding needed for the continuation of wireless communication services and devices to assure that all devices have the connectivity necessary to operate and support the citizens of Columbus.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance authorizes the transfer in the amount of $892,500.00 from the Division of Police general fund budget to the Division of Support Services general fund budget as well as the expenditure of $1,000,000.00 from the general fund for the current wireless communication service contract. Expansion request was granted to the Division of Police to supply all Police Officers with cell phones. Existing cell phone expenditure plus the expanded request resulted in a budget of over $1.5 million within the 2023 general fund operating budget for cell phones for Public Safety. More funds will be legislated late...
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