White Lake Signs Computer Services Contract With Waterford

White Lake Township Supervisor Greg Baroni and Waterford Supervisor Carl Solden have officially signed a contact to share computer services between the two municipalities — a move both townships view as positive and cost White Lake approximately $80,000.

"Waterford has an excellent system and IT department," Baroni said. "Whenever they have issues their IT guys are there in a snap to get it fixed. This partnership will help being White Lake into the 21st century."

Baroni said the township's computer systems and servers have needed to be upgraded for a number of years, but it's been put off. The cost of the contract will cover new computers, servers and installation of other services including wireless internet. The township's server will be housed in White Lake's offices, and will be separate from Waterford Township.

The majority of the money to pay for the upgrades will come from the Improvement Revolving Fund. The annual support costs has already been budgeted for 2011.

"We've had a lot of problems and continue to have problems. We are hoping that spending the money up front will resolve those issues and keep us from having to spend a lot of money to address issues in the future," he said.

Solden said Waterford's technology, including point-to-point wireless internet throughout township facilities — and off-site township owned buildings — is state-of-the-art.

"We have cameras set up at our water pump stations that send data wirelessly back to our headquarters. Our technicians submit everything electronically, there is no paperwork," Solden said. "It also allows the employees to connect and communicate with each other at the click of a mouse. Partnering with White Lake will allow them the same capabilities, as well as allow the two township to communicate back and forth a lot easier."

The partnership is one, Baroni and Solden said, that falls in line with Gov. Rick Snyder's call for local government partnerships.

"It's a win-win for both of our communities," Baroni said.