Smart Spending: How Local Governments Can Budget for IT and Cybersecurity in 2025
Local governments are responsible for keeping critical systems running and protecting sensitive data, all while working with limited resources. The problem is that cybersecurity risks are rising, and pushing IT funding aside puts entire communities at risk.
However, it’s absolutely possible to build a secure IT infrastructure without breaking the budget. Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like CTSI allows municipalities to safeguard their systems, reduce long-term costs, and protect the people they serve.
The Budgeting Challenge
From hardware and software to cybersecurity and training, local governments rely heavily on IT systems to store and process information. But in many cities and counties, IT and cybersecurity often fall lower on the budgeting priority list.
Here are three common reasons why:
- Tight Staffing Budgets
Many local governments operate with limited resources, and in some cases, rely on a single IT staff member to manage everything. This leaves little time for proactive planning or effective security measures. - Competing Priorities
Leaders may feel pressured to prioritize infrastructure, social programs, education, and other initiatives, leaving IT underfunded. - Short-Term Thinking
Budgeting tends to focus on immediate needs rather than a long-term strategy, which leads to reactive spending and increased costs down the road.
Unfortunately, these constraints can leave IT systems vulnerable, making them more difficult and more expensive to fix over time.
The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks
Municipalities have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Ransomware attacks, phishing attempts, and data breaches are increasingly common across the public sector, including in smaller cities.
Here are just a few recent examples from Texas cities in the past year:
- Midland, Texas, experienced more than 93,000 cyberattack attempts in a single year.
- Abilene’s city computer systems were hacked, resulting in a network outage across multiple departments and threats to release sensitive documents if a ransom wasn’t paid.
- In Odessa, a government network breach forced departments like billing and collections to shut down for several days.
Across the country, cyberattacks have cost local governments millions in recovery efforts:
- In one incident, the city of Atlanta spent an estimated $17 million to respond to and recover from a ransomware attack.
- In July 2023, the city of Columbus was forced to shut down tech operations after a cyberattack, with recovery costs reaching into the millions.
The consequences of these attacks are devastating, causing service disruptions, financial strain, and a loss of public trust.
The Value of MSPs and Cost-Effectiveness
When every dollar counts, outsourcing IT support to an MSP like CTSI offers a smart, sustainable solution. Yes, you’ll save money, but you’ll also keep your systems secure and your operations running.
Here’s why partnering with an MSP is valuable:
- Cost-Effective Coverage: For less than the cost of one full-time IT staff member, you gain a full team of experts that provides 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity protection, patch management, and help desk support.
- Fixed Monthly Pricing: Predictable rates make it easier to plan long-term, avoid surprise expenses, and stay within budget.
- Proactive Support: Instead of reacting to costly emergencies, CTSI can help prevent them through routine maintenance, updates, and risk mitigation.
Explore how CTSI can help with our full Managed IT Services.
Planning for the Long Term
A sustainable IT strategy starts with smart budgeting and clear priorities.
Here are a few tips for building an effective IT budget:
- Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify what systems are most vulnerable, outdated, and what the potential consequences are.
- Prioritize Cybersecurity Measures: Firewalls, backups, antivirus software, employee training, and regular updates are essential.
- Plan for Growth and Scalability: Don’t just budget for today. Ensure your infrastructure can support future needs, especially as operations grow.
- Leverage Local Partnerships: Work with a trusted MSP that understands your community and can offer tailored, budget-friendly solutions.
CTSI Is On Your Side
CTSI brings over 40 years of experience serving West Texas and proudly supports the public sector with scalable, reliable IT solutions built with tight budgets in mind.
Let’s talk about a smarter IT strategy for your city or county. Contact CTSI today to explore a budget-conscious IT roadmap tailored for your community.
