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Currently, the task force has completed steps #1-5. After completing this step, it became clear that the Task Force was at a crossroads, and that it was appropriate to receive some input from the Council before proceeding. The remainder of this memo outlines the discussion items. Discussion Items As suggested above, the Task Force has generally agreed to a refined purpose of the City's webszte and what the preferred attributes are. However, like most new initiatives, redesigning the City's website cannot occur without some resources. Simply put, we currently do not have the internal staffing resources to either redesign the website, or to maintain a new websit� that might have added functionality. In addition to the direct staffing costs some departments incur for updating their departmental web pages, the City incurs approximately $1,500 each year for hardware and software costs to host the website, as well as approximately $6,000 in annual IT Staffing support. Furthermore, while we have attempted to view the redesign from the perspective of the various groups and individuals that visit our site, we have not established any outside focus groups to get their input. This may or may not he a concern, but it is a step that some other municipalities have taken. The question at hand is whether the City should place greater emphasis (i.e, financial andlor staffing) towards the City's website? Potential options include: 1) Make no further investment at this time 2) Commit additional monies to hire a professional web design firm 3) Commit additional monies to hire new City Staff to redesign and maintain the site 4) Consider using an off-site website host Financial Implications There are no monies appropriated for a website redesign project in the 2006 or Proposed 2007 Budget. The costs for these options can vary substantially. Option #2 will likely require an up- front investment of $20,000-$30,000 for redesigning the website, plus $1,000-2,000 in annual support. The City would also incur additional staffing costs to managing the content and updating the website. If the City were to pursue Option #�3, it would likely entail the hiring of at least a part-time employee. This will require an on-going cost of approximately $20,000-$30,000 including salaries and benefits. With options #2 and #3, the up-front costs are higher, but it will give the City maximum control over the design, �ook, and functionality. By contrast, contracting with an off-site host will cost the City approximately $4,000-$8,000 up front, and approximately $1,000-$2,000 in annual support. In this instance, the upfroni costs are lower, but we lose some individual choice on the design and perhaps some functionality. With option #4, the City would also eliminate the IT support costs. � i