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.

Goals and 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 2023-24 Accomplishments

  • Enhanced the District's server and network infrastructure for improved performance and reliability.
  • Replaced operational vehicles with advanced communication hardware, upgraded fire station telecom systems, and added equipment to support district-wide improvements.
  • Successfully upgraded the virtual infrastructure, enhancing computing capabilities, storage capacity, security, and redundancy.

FY 2024-25 Program Initiatives

  • Enhance network security across all District facilities to safeguard data and IT assets.
  • Implement upgrades to the telecom systems at both administrative offices and fire stations for improved communication.
  • Increase redundancy in the station alerting system to ensure reliability during emergencies.
  • Transition the District’s email system to Office 365 for enhanced functionality, collaboration, and security.

Full-Time Equivalent Personnel

Program Expenditure Summary

Expenditure Analysis

  • Overtime: The overtime budget has increased by $15,000 due to anticipated new projects in the upcoming fiscal year, which will require additional overtime hours for personnel.
  • Retirement: This includes the standard employer retirement contributions, annual payments for unfunded actuarial liability (UAL), excess UAL payments, and Medicare tax payments. The increase of $40,930 is due to the allocation of UAL annual and excess expenses to the employee program, along with an increase in the normal retirement contribution rate.
  • Contract Services: This category covers expenditures for training services, internet billing, technical support, software, and licenses. The decrease of $110,332 reflects a change in how software and licensing costs are tracked, with these expenses now being budgeted within the specific programs that utilize them for better clarity and management.
  • Fixed Assets: Beginning in FY 2024-25, all fixed asset purchases will be reported in the Capital Improvement Projects Fund. The current year’s expenditure request includes the purchase of two new servers to replace the existing ones.