Technology Upgrades Should Save Macomb Twp. $250,000 Over Five Years

A new IT systems upgrade approved by the Board of Trustees will save the township $250,000 over the next five years and improve efficiency, although there may be a few phone number changes. 

The Board approved a one-time expense of $53,628 on Sept. 12 to update the township’s telephone system, wireless networking and data storage system. Wyoming-based IT provider ISI is installing the new system, which should be fully functional by Thanksgiving.

“This truly sets us up for the future and puts the final polish on that apple,” Clerk Michael Koehs said. 

Koehs added that he hopes the township is doing what it can to avoid changing any phone numbers, however, it may be impossible to avoid. If any numbers should change, Koehs said the new numbers will be posted on the website and “everywhere that we can print them."

At a previous meeting, Supervisor Mark Grabow called the current system “struggling, archaic technology.” Since the township lost phone service for a period of time last year, the board has scrambled with Macomb’s IT department and outside consultants to put a new system into place. 

The upgrade includes an inter-township phone system, faster wireless networking, greater data storage, teleconferencing, and more. The new system also ensures the township keeps up with the 21st-century. 

“So by spending $53,000 today we stand to save a quarter of a million dollars over the next five years,” Koehs said. “If we don’t spend the money, then in probably the next five years, we will have to start replacing equipment.” 

The Board initially approved $326,176 for the upgrade during its Aug. 22 meeting, but through continued negotiations with ISI and the elimination of some items from the original plan, the township has been able to significantly reduce the overall cost.