San Antonio’s proposed FY2023 budget was presented during a City Council meeting earlier this month after several months of planning and gathering community input. Budget documents reveal increases in many departments, including IT Services (ITS).
ITS program change proposals, adding $520,541, include funding for the Veracode platform to improve security and quality of IT code. The department also plans to add a Rubrik Go subscription to enhance cybersecurity.
The ITS Technology Services Fund will add $1.3 million to provide continued support of enterprise applications, the Alamo Area Regional Radio System, and maintenance and support for Cohesity and Nimblestorage.
ITS plans to add positions including a contract manager for the public safety radio system program and to oversee contracts and revenue-generating leases; two ITS contract positions to be converted to full time for asset management; one contract position to be converted to provide contractor communication, research and reporting; and an added software engineer position to “provide additional maintenance and support capacity for website redesign.”
Technology-related projects found under “Improvements” also include:
- The public library would add $1.5 million to the books and materials budget. This will help meet a stronger demand for digital offerings. Renovations at eight locations and computer-related replacements are also included in the library budget.
- Older Adults Technology Services, providing computer and information literacy training, connectivity and devices, is slated for $500,000.
- A data management team will be created in Economic Development.
- The Finance Department plans to add Bloomberg Terminals that provide investment market data and lease software to comply with governing standards.
- Government Affairs will add state consulting contracts totaling $316,000 to represent the city during the upcoming 88th State Legislative Session.
City Manager Erik Walsh noted that San Antonio International Airport is set to expand to three gates and is looking at terminal development planning. This is the largest capital project in the city with an update to be presented in the fall. A terminal plan will be presented next year.
The budget is set to be adopted during the Sept. 15 council meeting, with a fiscal year running Oct. 1 to Sept. 30; there are several planned community meetings.
