Menlo Park Fire Protection District

 

Information Technology

 

Program Overview

The Information Technology (IT) program supports all hardware and software applications, telecommunications, and wireless communications within the Menlo Park Fire Protection District (District). This program is responsible for ensuring cybersecurity across all connections and servers. Additionally, it manages the implementation, training, upgrades, and security enhancements of the District's software and hardware systems as needed. 

Management Oversight

The IT program is overseen by the Administrative Services Director, with the IT Manager responsible for daily operations. The program is staffed by three full-time equivalent positions and covers expenses related to hardware and software acquisition, application subscriptions, computer and laptop equipment, infrastructure server equipment, and general supplies and accessories.

Program Objectives

  • Protect the integrity of the District's information and IT assets by strengthening cybersecurity measures.
  • Maintain a stable and reliable information technology infrastructure to support District operations.
  • Implement a modern IT infrastructure that enables seamless access to the District's information resources platform.
  • Deliver high-quality customer service to all stakeholders, ensuring their IT needs are met efficiently and effectively.

FY 2024-25 Accomplishments

  • Migrated users from the on-premises email server to Office 365.
  • Completed the upgrade and migration of virtualized host servers.
  • Set up and migrated the storage server.
  • Upgraded user workstations and laptops.
  • Centralized the environment for District maps, updating and printing station maps.
  • Upgraded the firewall VPN

FY 2025-26 Program Initiatives

  • Upgrade the SAN storage system for improved optimization.
  • Redesign the intranet site.
  • Set up Starlink connectivity for stations.
  • Upgrade all workstations to Windows 11, as Windows 10 reached end of life.
  • Enhance network resilience and security through hardware and software infrastructure upgrades.

Full-Time Equivalent Personnel

Program Expenditure Summary

Expenditure Analysis

Retirement: The expenditure request includes the standard employer retirement contribution, Unfunded Actuarial Liability (UAL) annual payment, UAL excess payment, and Medicare tax payments. The $35,169 increase is due to the allocation of UAL annual and excess expenses to the employee program, as well as an increase in the normal retirement contribution rate.

 

Materials and supplies: The expenditure request includes costs for information technology software and hardware, office supplies, travel, conference registrations, and memberships and licenses. The decrease of $245,372 is due to anticipated reductions in software and hardware replacement costs, as well as a decrease in supplies and licensing expenses for the upcoming fiscal year.

 

Contract services: The expenditure request includes training services, internet billing, technical support services, software, and licenses for all systems. The projected increase of $83,000 is primarily due to anticipated rises in service costs, software licensing fees, and support services for the upcoming fiscal year. This adjustment reflects expected inflation in service rates and the ongoing need for system maintenance and updates to ensure continued operational efficiency and effectiveness.

 

Fixed assets: Fixed asset purchases are recorded in the Capital Improvement Projects Fund. The expenditure request for fixed assets this year includes the acquisition of new server and software equipment. This investment is essential for upgrading the organization's infrastructure, enhancing system performance, improving security, and supporting scalability to accommodate both current operations and future growth.