The City of Emporia’s Public Works Department is leveling up its technology thanks to approval by the Emporia City Commission Wednesday.
The commission unanimously approved the purchase and installation of new asset management software for the department following a presentation by Public Works Director Dean Grant earlier in the day. The software will provide the department with more up-to-date financial information which will help the department determine where the majority of their resources are being spent throughout the city.
Grant says this is very beneficial stating, “if we are spending a lot of resources in one area, then there is probably something that needs to be fixed in that area.
According to Grant, the software will come with a mobile-friendly portal that will allow residents to report a job or concern directly to the department. The software is being purchased through Dude Solutions Software at a total cost just over $26,000. According to Grant, the company is ready to install the equipment with installation likely being completed by February of next year at the latest.
In other business, commissioners recognized the City Finance Department for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) Award through the Government Finance Officers Association of the US and Canada. This is the 34th consecutive year in which the department has received the award.
City Treasurer Janet Harouff tells KVOE News the award is a constant reminder that she and her staff are not only carrying out their work effectively but consistently as well.
Separately, commissioners approved a request for the city’s official boundary list encompassing 12.14 square miles and also tabled an action item to approve a memorandum of understanding with Evergy for the purchase of property at 600 Road 180 until the commission’s next action meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Prior to Wednesday’s action session, commissioners also held a study session during which time they received an update on the city’s SPARK funded projects and discussed the Emporia Public Library’s reopening plans.
The commission also received a presentation regarding activities and procedures inside White Auditorium amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. White Auditorium Director Kevin Hanlin will join KVOE’s Newsmaker Two segment Monday morning to further discuss that topic.
The Emporia City Commission is next scheduled to convene at 10 am Wednesday morning for a study session inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
