Mansfield Advances to Cloud-Based Microsoft 365 System

The City of Mansfield is set to modernize its technological infrastructure by transitioning to a cloud-based Microsoft 365 system.

On Tuesday morning, the city's Board of Control approved an expenditure of $113,681 for licensing, hardware, and software, which includes implementing a new email system.

Mark Huckleberry, head of the city's IT department, presented the proposal, emphasizing the necessity of moving away from the current on-premise operating system.

He noted that Microsoft is phasing out support for legacy servers, making this upgrade essential.

By adopting cloud infrastructure, the city will gain access to the latest Microsoft software on a subscription basis, ensuring continuous updates and enhanced security.

Additionally, the new system will provide email access to all city employees, addressing the current gap where approximately 20% lack email connectivity.

Safety Service Director Keith Porch highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the project, noting that initial estimates were between $170,000 and $180,000.

Through diligent efforts, the IT team reduced the expense to $113,681.

Pending City Council approval, the transition is slated to commence in January 2026.

The cloud-based system will enable secure remote access, aligning with the city's commitment to modern, mobile-friendly operations.

In related developments, the Board of Control approved final change orders for four recent projects, resulting in a net reduction of $45,296.

Notably, the multi-use concrete connector between the B&O Trail and the Trimble Road tunnel saw a reduction of $50,007, bringing the revised project cost to $1,958,234.

These savings were primarily due to the need for fewer materials than initially anticipated.