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COST ESTIMATES
The cost of implementing the electronic filing and public access system advocated by the Panel was analyzed by the Secretary of State's Information Technology Division. The Division estimates that development costs, or one-time costs, will be at least $540,060. On-going costs, once the system is fully implemented, are estimated at approximately $98,550 per year.
Implementing the envisioned system draws upon many of today's technologies to achieve the goal of disclosure statements being sent from a filer's computer to the Secretary of State's Office and then allowing wide public access to the data stored there. To send a statement, a filer could use either a computer network or direct dial-up; to access the data the public could use the computer network to view the data or download it to personal computers. Behind the scenes are web servers, database servers, communication lines, routers, modems, personal computers, software, custom applications and support staff.
It should be noted the following cost estimates include a one-time expenditure of $180,000 to finance the cost of 58 personal computers to be located in the election offices of each of California's counties for use by the public in accessing the campaign and lobbying data on the computer network. Another two personal computers would be purchased for use by the Secretary of State's office in Sacramento. Installation costs are estimated at $18,000.
Although these estimates undoubtedly will be refined in the months ahead, it is expected that legislation reflecting the panel's recommendations for an electronic filing system also will seek an appropriation of approximately $500,000 for its implementation.
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