Tuesday, May 25, 1999
Ohio spends $16M more on Y2K woes
85% of computers ready for millennium
BY JOHN McCARTHY
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS — The state Controlling Board on Monday made an additional $16 million available to make sure the state's computers join the 21st century on time and in good shape.
The board unanimously approved the request by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to help upgrade and test computer systems in agencies statewide in the two budget years beginning July 1. That's in addition to the $24 million the Controlling Board previously made available to the department.
Agencies that need new computer hardware, programs, analysis or system testing will be able to get them from the department's Year 2000 Competency Center, spokeswoman Eileen Corson said.
The agencies will be able to get the money without going through the usual bidding process.
“Since we're getting close (to 2000), this will make it a little easier,” Ms. Corson said.
State agencies are spending at least $61 million to help their computer systems make the transition to the new year. That figure is separate from the money DAS is spending to help agencies prepare. The Year 2000 center has 13 full-time and two part-time employees.
In its request, however, the department said, “state agencies' needs have far exceeded original projections in terms of cost and completion date.”
Some scientists fear that older computers, which read only the final two numbers of the year, may assume it's 1900 and not 2000 when Jan. 1 arrives. The scientists say the result could mean chaos for businesses and government whose computers are not prepared.
An estimated 85 percent of the state's computers either comply with Y2K standards or are in the final stages of testing, Ms. Corson said. The state has been working on the problem since 1996, but the department said in its request that some agencies will be under pressure to complete testing in time.
The Controlling Board, made up of six lawmakers and a president who represents Gov. Bob Taft, also approved unbid contracts worth $181,000 with Hemphill & Associates of Columbus to provide financial planning services for the villages of Coalton and Manchester.
The state has been responsible for the day-to-day operations of both villages since Auditor Jim Petro placed them in a state of fiscal emergency in 1997.
Fountain barricade will get dressing-up
True test of region's spirit on the horizon
City schools lay off 228 aides
Schools ahead of court on sexual harassment
Support sought for hotel-tax hike
Kentucky killer slated to die today
Low turnout expected for Ky. primary
Group wants tornado memorial
Patient won't feel a thing
Police training staff angry at director
Two more parishes to merge
D-Day for the Doyles
GET TO IT
Buses roll again in Butler Co.
Citizens collar criminals on Net
Cleves police take seriously graffiti aimed at two officers
Land offer for school criticized
Ohio auditor: Dayton schools face intervention
Ohio spends $16M more on Y2K woes
Anderson man pleads guilty to fraud
Fairfield gets a new police chief
Highway vote stalled by open-meetings complaint
Insanity defense changed to guilty
Jury to decide whether fired DHL whistle-blower made case
Kids' homemade science video wins top award
Landmark will be saved
Lebanon school leader: Work is done
Man, 61, injured in Feb. accident dies
Oxford native back home to lure travel
Six eligible to fill Kaiser's empty office
Traffic in Newport prompts complaints
TRISTATE DIGEST
Witness: Fight ended in death
