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The issue was brought to a head recently when the City purchased a $17,000 Ikon document scanning and archival system, then discovered it did not have the necessary computer hardware and software to operate the system.

Another example arose this past week when the Michigan Municipal League distributed an informational DVD related to state revenue sharing and the impact the state's budget cuts could have on the program that is so vital to local municipalities. The only problem...the city's computers couldn't run the DVD.

"Ancient" is the word City Manager Frank Crosby used to characterize the city's technology. "This situation reinforces the critical importance of the city to invest in upgrading our informational technology quickly or else discover we are unable to communicate effectively in this increasingly technologically challenged environment."Council members agreed, suggesting money be put into the 2007-08 budget to upgrade computer equipment and software. However, they criticized Ikon representatives for failing to thoroughly evaluate the city's technology before selling it the scanner/archival unit.

"I'm disappointed," said council member Scott Parks. "I asked this question (about compatibility) and I was assured it would run. I don't know why these issues weren't presented at the time of sale."

City attorney Otis Stout recommended the council pay Ikon's $17,000 bill saying that city staff cannot be blamed for technology deficiencies.

"We need to move forward," council member Debra Gross said. "We need to start budgeting for it (computer equipment). We've got to start somewhere."

City Treasurer Jennifer Foether said the city's computers could be upgraded for as little as $5,000 but that improving the entire technology network might run between $14,000 and $15,000. She added, however, that all of the changes would not have to be made now and could be spread out over several budget years.

Parks and Landes voted against the motion to pay Ikon but it passed despite their objections.

Council members heard a presentation from Brian Miner from Michigan Rural Water Association on the company's water and sewer rate study software program.

City Clerk Tina Rush said the software could serve as a valuable tool as the municipality gets ready to consider possible rate water rate increases. "We know we are going to get an increase because Detroit is already talking about it and that's where our water comes from."

The $500 program, according to Miner, is designed to create an equitable scale for users based on meter size. The bigger the meter, the higher the base rate. Miner explained that those businesses and others with larger meters are "using more of the system or have the capability of using more of the system".

Council members voted to pay $7,000 on a $13,000 bill from Montrose Township as its 2006-07 share of the school liaison police officer. Some confusion surrounding which year the payment was for had resulted in the city not paying the bill last fall.

Montrose township received a COPS grant to fund a pair of liaison officers in recent years with the stipulation that in the final year of the multi-year grant the local municipalities would pick up 100 percent of the cost.

Township Supervisor Mark Emmendorfer called the program "a valuable tool" but acknowledged that the city, township and school district are financially strapped. "The school district intends to come up with a portion of the cost and will seek Jennings Foundation grant funds in an attempt to preserve the one existing liaison position.

The City is looking for a new member of its zoning board of appeals following the recent resignation of Don VanderHill. The term is three years. Anyone interested should contact the Montrose City office at 639-6168.