Kaiapoi council delays decision on computer

Press, 18 December 1985, Page 14

Kaiapoi council delays decision on computer

A decision on whether to spend $55,000 to improve its computer facilities has been delayed by the Kaiapoi Borough Council. The computer sub-com-mittee had recommended to the council on Monday that the equipment be bought The impending introduction of GST was one of the reasons cited for the need to update the equipment

The Assistant Town Clerk, Mr Kevin Lamb, told the council he had been informed that GST might affect rates struck for the next financial year. Although the existing computer was only three years old it was thought the new system, if bought, would serve the council’s needs for five to 10 years. A report by Mr Lamb said a pricing arrangement with the Local Government Computer Joint Committee, of which Kaiapoi was a

member, and the trade-in value of existing equipment could mean a saving of $lO,OOO to $15,000 if the council bought the < new equipment now instead of waiting another six months. Improving the present system as a “stop-gap” measure only to improve speed and cope with GST changes would cost $16,000, he said.

Mr Lamb said he would prefer to have an electricity Dilling system running on the existing computer before changing to the new Sment. The system : not be ready until March. The new equipment could be bought now but its installation delayed. Cr Alistair Blackie said he opposed any further expenditure on computer equipment He said the people of Kaiapoi had not been able to see any benefit in the council’s original computer

purchase three years? ago. The ?; promised improved cashflow . and lower > staff numbers, touted as advantages to '.•a'-’ computerised office, had yet to eventuate, he said. 7 . y.•'■' 7 •_ Or 7 Blackie successfully moved the matter be held over until early next year at which time, the council should reasses “the whole thing.” ' Cr Bert Empsoh admitted the council had not had “a good run” with: its computer but “we are im there and we have to: stay in there.”.; .He said the benefits of using the computer would come eventually, especially after the electricity?, billing had been computerised,? :• . Cr Margaret Cleland said she could not .support Cr Blackie’s.- motion because the delay could mean the councilwould miss its chance to (buy the new equipment at ,the cheaper rate.: ;-i .