Back in 2016, following the Computergate scandal that left an incoming Council hamstrung with missing computer equipment, data, and locked out work stations at Borough Hall, an IT company was contracted to straighten out the mess and provide protection to data.
EZ Micro did an excellent job of protection and maintenance of the borough’s computer system, but it came with a price tag of $750/mo. Though scrubbed emails and likely other unknown files couldn’t be recovered, Borough Hall computers were up and running.
It’s been an expense that Council was willing to pay out of necessity to protect sensitive data and to ensure business of the borough remained uninterrupted, or recoverable.
That was the price Council was willing to pay for Borough Hall, but with the addition of a new network of Police Department computers, it was realized that EZ Micro’s price would jump significantly with the addition of the new police network.
There would also be the cost of installing the new computers and bringing them online for the police department.
Curtis Scott Computer Services (CSCS) was contacted to see what it could offer the borough. It was approved to install our police department’s new computers and bring them online, including connecting our computers to the county’s 911 system.
CSCS works for other police departments, including Tatamy Borough. It is state approved to work with the sensitive information found in police computer systems, maintains backups, and does the maintenance of computer equipment, including updates of programs and virus protection.
Asked to provide a quote that would match the services of EZ Micro, to include both Borough Hall and our police department, CSCS determined it could meet our needs for a total cost of $550/mo.
Council voted to accept CSCS as its new IT service provider at the March 9th council meeting. EZ Micro was given its requirement of a 60 day notice of termination of services and has been very cooperative in working with CSCS to ensure a smooth transition.
EZ Micro and CSCS will work together over the next 60 days to exchange needed information during the change-over.
EZ Micro was notified that Council’s decision was not based on any dissatisfaction with their service over the last 4 years, but rather, budget concerns and the savings to taxpayers necessitated the need to find an alternate IT service provider.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
