Thanks to a grant from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Wright City has additional funding to significantly upgrade their computer system.

During the Wright City Board of Aldermen meeting Jan. 22, the board approved receipt of the award letter and matching costs of $50,108.70. The grant, which is part of the fiscal year 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, awards the city $116,920.30, which along with the city’s match, amounts to a total approved project cost of $167,029.

As part of the meeting Jan. 22, the board approved a quote in the amount of $33,275 from NOC Technology to upgrade the city’s servers as part of the grant award.

Wright City Mayor Michelle Heiliger said that the city also started the process of unveiling a new website domain, with the city's website at wrightcitymo.org to be found at wrightcitymo.gov. She said the funds for the grant will also be used to replace aged computers. She said the city will not be replacing its monitors, only the computer hardware. She said the city’s current equipment is very antiquated and the grant would allow the city to replace all of its computer equipment to be more in line with modern practices.

According to the terms of the grant, the city must expend the funds between Jan. 13, 2026 and Aug. 31, 2028.

During their Jan. 22 meeting, the board also tabled a proposal to the Missouri Department of Conservation for forestry related projects. Alderman Karey Owens wanted to hold off on any grant proposal until the board’s next meeting. Owens said she wanted more specific numbers from Public Works Director Kyle Roettger to have more time to come up with numbers regarding need. During the meeting it was discussed that the city had around $21,000 for tree removal and other similar needs.

The board also voted 3-0, with Alderman Kim Arbuthnot not present at the meeting, to approve an $800 contract with WM Financial for annual bond filing paperwork.