Title
Cashiering System Upgrade (NB)
Staff recommends upgrading GRU's cashiering system with Systems Innovators.
Explanation
GRU's Cashiering department accepts customer utility payments through various channels including, but not limited to mail, in-person, electronic fund transfer, third party remote payments, and third party credit card payments. All payments are processed and reconciled through System Innovators' (SI) system which is responsible for gathering and transmitting customer payments to GRU's Customer Information System.
SI's Revenue Collector was installed in 1996 and updated in 2001. Since this system version is no longer supported, upgrading the current cashiering and payment processing system is necessary to ensure customers' payment information is accurate and up to date. The upgraded system will also allow additional payment channels, offering other payment options for customers.
SI's cashiering system is also used by General Government's Billing and Collections Department for their payment processing activities. With the consolidation of General Government and GRU Information Technology staffing, continuing to use the same cashiering system reduces staff training needs and enhances continuity in City operations.
Fiscal Note
Funds for this equipment are available in the FY 2013 capital budget.
Recommendation:
The City Commission: 1) authorize the General Manager, or his designee, to negotiate a contract with Systems Innovators, a specified source, to upgrade GRU's existing cashiering system to the current product line, subject to approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 2) issue a purchase order to Systems Innovators in an amount not to exceed $221,236 for software licenses, upgrade services, hardware and training.