Application Services
The mission of Application Services is to support and develop software for the City’s computer software applications. Efforts are directed to automate processes that eliminate human error and work duplication to produce greater efficiencies and cost savings.
Application Services provides computer-programming support for all city departments. Programmers provide the technical support for implementing, upgrading and maintaining the software applications distributed in support of city departments; evaluate applications for acquisition including suitability, cost effectiveness and potential savings from development of customized software.
Application Services coordinates with software vendors in modifying software to fit specific departmental requirements when there are needs beyond that provided by the vendor. Programmers develop reports for city departments (Finance, Police, Fire, Payroll, Court, etc.).
There are over 175 installed application systems maintained by the programming staff, of which 80 were developed by city programmers. An application system can be a single database, while others are systems composed of hundreds of programs. The payroll system is composed of a core set of programs supplied by a vendor plus hundreds of customized programs developed in-house. The accounting and finance system is similar; it is composed of a mix of vendor supplied and city programmer-developed programs. The online budget application, developed entirely by city programmers, allows departments to submit budget information electronically to the Finance Department.
Application Services’ day-to-day operations include printing forms and invoices and setting up after-hours processes. Projects are managed by job requests that number 200 annually.