City Considering the Purchase of Ipads for Councilmembers

During the South Gate City Council meeting of July 24, 2012, the topic of Ipads for council members was briefly discussed.  Vice-Mayor Gil Hurtado, who first brought up the issue of Ipads, felt that it was necessary to explain the reasons why he thought this might be a good idea for the city. An explanation that he made after some city employees allegedly raised complaints.  

“People raised concerns because we do have budget issues,” said Hurtado to South Gate Patch Latino in a telephone interview.  “I accept the fact that I did not articulate the goal.”

According to Hurtado, the city provides councilmembers with approximately over 100 pages of paper a week, and the Ipad’s could cut the printings costs of the city.

“The idea is for this to be a cost saving thing,” said Hurtado.

City staff is looking into seeing whether getting Ipads, or another type of portable computer or tablet, will actually save money for the city.

If any of these devices were to be bought, then they would continue to be city property. The councilmembers would only borrow them for the time that they serve, assured Hurtado.

The money for this potential purchase has been budgeted, but will not be used for this purpose if the city finds that it will not save money.

“We need more analysis as to value, benefits and costs associated before moving forward with authorizing the expenditure,” George Troxcil, South Gate’s City Manager.

Cities who have had experience doing this will also be consulted to see if it was cost effective measure, concluded Troxcil. 

Keep up with South Gate Patch Latino by subscribing to breaking news alerts, liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Have an event or announcement you'd like to publicize? Submit them for free.