The City of Fayette will utilize money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to purchase iPads and laptop computers for city personnel and members of the Board of Aldermen. The board narrowly approved the purchase with a 4-2 vote.

The county’s committee that oversees expenditures from the CARES Act funds made available to cities in Howard County up to $10,000 to be used toward technology, such as laptop computers, that can be used to run the city remotely in the event the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic worsens significantly. In May, the county received $1,173,317 from the federal government that can be used to pay for a variety of expenses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, such as cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment (PPP). Other expenses include police salaries and aid to businesses. More than $600,000 of that money has been committed so far.

In addition, the committee has made available $1,000 for each business in Howard County to help provide relief for rent and utility costs (see the full story in September 2 Fayette Advertiser).

The City of Fayette has applied for funding to help pay police salaries during the pandemic. A decision on that request is expected to be made in October.

The City of Glasgow already approved and purchased new laptop computers for its aldermen, utilizing the CARES Act funds. 

East Ward Alderman Jeremy Dawson objected to the purchase during the council’s previous meeting on Aug. 18 and suggested the money should be used to help businesses and citizens who have had difficulty with utility bills. Likewise, Southwest Ward Alderman Grafton Cook raised concerns regarding all of the add-ons associated with the computers, such as Microsoft subscriptions, which could run about $3,000 a year and would be paid for by the taxpayers.

“Where in the budget would that money come from,” Cook asked.

Included in that monthly cost estimate is a .gov domain for the Fayette Police Department. Currently, officers cannot receive certain confidential emails from the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The .gov domain, which was approved for the department approximately two years ago, is vital to the department. “What Jeff (Oswald, Fayette Chief of Police) needs, is of the utmost importance,” said Fayette Mayor Kevin Oeth.

Howard County Emergency Management co-coordinator Bill John, who is on the county’s CARES Act board, appeared before the council on Tuesday and explained that the $10,000 would cover the costs of computers and their operating systems, but not additional services such as virus protection and extended warranties.

“If we have the opportunity, we should take advantage of it,” said East Ward Alderwoman Stephanie Ford.

Mrs. Ford motioned to accept the bid for six iPads and seven laptop computers without the extra add-on items. The motion passed 4-2, with dissenting votes from Mr. Dawson and Northwest Ward Alderman Pat Roll.

Additionally, City Administrator Tyler Griffith will seek bids on television for City Hall, which can be used during Zoom meetings.

The police department will be allowed to move forward with its acquisition of a .gov domain. Although not included in the vote, the move had previously been approved by an erstwhile city council.