Third Wave presents IT master plan to Indio council; city to receive and file

City IT Director Ian Cousins and Third Wave Corporation consultant Roy Hernandez presented a refreshed IT master plan that prioritizes 32 initiatives over five years and ties technology investments to the city’s strategic goals.

Roy Hernandez summarized the project’s scope and findings and said the plan focuses on actionable, fiscally responsible recommendations. Key recommendations included improving the city’s ERP (finance) system; implementing a computerized maintenance management system to consolidate maintenance workflows; leveraging the existing Pro‑Con construction management tool rather than purchasing new software; adopting a CIP application to replace spreadsheets and ad‑hoc tools; assessing and replacing an end‑of‑life telephone system; and investing in staff training.

Hernandez noted the unusually strong internal ratings the IT team received during the project: "These are the best scores that I've seen in 10 years," he said, citing high marks in staff surveys and focus groups. Third Wave laid out a five‑year implementation roadmap and line‑item budget for each initiative and recommended the council receive and file the plan; staff said no additional funding is required at current budget levels.

Council members praised IT staff and thanked the consultant. The council received and filed the IT master plan; specific project timing and procurement steps will follow staff and IT department recommendations and budget cycles.