Budget Question # 17: Why is the proposed Telecommunications Network Engineer III not eligible for funding from various applicable Capital Improvement Program projects? (Mayor Wilson)
Response:
The ITS Telecommunications Network Engineer III is included in the FY 2023 proposed budget as a contract position. While the position will help support the establishment of telephony services at the West End Service center, it is primarily added to support the day-to day established operating budget telecommunications systems. The position will support City staff end users and will help perform the configuration/programming of, and administrative functions for, the City’s various (Voice over IP) VOIP services such as virtual contact centers, desk phones and mobile devices, public safety telephony services. This contract Network Engineer will also help monitor the performance of the City’s 10 call centers, and 3,500 City end users who are both remote and in 70 City facilities.
The proposed FY 2023 – FY 2032 CIP includes funding for (current and additional) staff to fund and augment staffing that is directly working on the implementation of the City’s capital plan. Funding for CIP staff is provided by the General Fund to the Capital Improvement Program by way of the cash capital transfer. As the ITS contract position will primarily support operating functions, it was not included as a CIP funded position.