Commissioners split over computer expense

Wahkiakum County commissioners voted 2-1 Tuesday to purchase a device to monitor Internet bandwidth use by county employees' computers.

Deputy Auditor Karen Fleming, chair of the courthouse Information Technology Committee, said the device, a Cymphonix Network Composer, would allow system supervisors to manage Internet usage by prioritizing traffic and blocking unwanted sites. They'll also be able to increase security and report specific user activity.

The committee used the device on a trial basis for a month; it confirmed concerns that county Internet use was hitting maximum capacity several times a day.

With computer communication becoming more and more important, Fleming said, there is a serious potential for system lags and other problems that could impact all offices, including the sheriff's office.

Fleming and the committee suggested two ways to address the problem. One would be to purchase a new T-1 line with a larger capacity costing $600 per month or $7,200 per year. The other would be to install the device and put restrictions on web sites; this should delay the need for a new line a few years, Fleming said. The device would cost $7,338.51.

Board Chair Lisa Marsyla, who is on the IT Committee, supported the recommendation.

"We could have a 30-40 percent space savings if we manage with the device," she said. "We can prioritize use, too, so that the sheriff's office would have top priority if there were trouble."

Commissioner Blair Brady said he supported the concept but he opposed the expenditure. He pointed out that the county has just purchased a very expensive program, and with the state in financial trouble, the county should conserve as much as possible to protect its funds.

Marsyla moved to approve the purchase; Commissioner Dan Cothren seconded the motion, and it passed.

"I agree with what the group came up with," Cothren said. "There is a savings; we should go ahead."