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Hernando Today

Council OKs Tech Pact With County

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By TONY MARRERO

Hernando Today

Published: May 6, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - The City Council wants the county to help bring the city's computer technology into the 21st century.

The council on Monday unanimously agreed to pay the county $60,000 for a full range of computer and network support services.

Now the County Commission must give its blessing to the deal and is expected to consider the pact today during its regular meeting.

The deal would advance the city's technology by 10 to 15 years and help remedy concerns about security and data backup, Norman-Vacha said.

"This agreement will not only fix and improve the system that we have, but it will take us to the next level of technology efficiencies and networking solutions," she said. "It will strengthen our security and minimize our risk," Norman-Vacha said.

The city would get "full help desk" and support services from the county's information technology department, she said.

Norman-Vacha made the recommendation after finding the city does not have the necessary security measures in place to protect its computer network from hackers; that the city network has been operating without the proper software to adequately protect it from viruses; and that the city's backup protocol does little to protect files, databases and financial records.

"These are extremely grave concerns here," said Council member Joe Bernardini, who made the motion to approve the measure. "I'm glad we're on top of it and glad the county's willing to accept our proposal."

The city would eliminate its two full-time technology positions, though only one has been filled in recent years. The positions had been budgeted for next year at an estimated $92,000. Norman-Vacha is recommends the city take the $32,000 saved and invest it in hardware and software.

A tearful Kelley Pupello, wife of the city's computer specialist Dennis Pupello, read a statement from her husband in which he defended his job performance.

In the statement, Pupello, who was recovering from surgery, said he understood the city's need to save money and improve its technology but said the situation worsened because the city failed to fill a second position and he was trying to "do the work of two people."
Bernardini said he agreed that the problems likely began accumulating years ago. The council agreed to provide a severance package for Pupello, paying him through June 30.

In other action, the council:

- Approved a request by Police Chief George Turner to shift personnel at the department, cutting $4,389 from the upcoming budget year and applying the salary funds of a retiring secretary towards hiring a new officer.

- Approved an alcohol permit request to allow G.M.'s Bistro, an eatery expected to open soon at 4 N. Broad St., to serve beer and wine.; and a related request to allow the owners to set up tables and chairs on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. Alcohol cannot be served or consumed outside.

Reporter Tony Marrero can be reached at 352-544-5286 or lmarrero@hernandotoday.com.

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