While the components list show that a computer can be used to do webcasting, and while the Stake and Area President has the responsibility for approval and budgeting for wecasting. There is still the guidance in the Handbook of instructions that states computers are paid for out of General church funds, not LUBA funds.Mikerowaved wrote:Finally [whew], the 3rd item in the List of Webcast products and components that the Stake or Area President has responsibility to "Provide approval and budget for purchase of", is (yes) a computer. If purchased, it is clearly not listed as an item the FM group would be responsible for, but rather the stake or area would purchase it using their budgets though a "local vendor, or online".
The question that needs to be asked and answered is not:
Can we use the LUBA to purchase a computer for webcasting? That question has already been decided in Handbook #1.
The question that needs to be asked is:
1. We have a need to for webcasting in our stake, how do we do it while staying within the guidelines of purchasing computers as addressed in the Handbooks?
1. Purchase a WebCasitng communicator.
2. Use existing computers already assigned to the stake.
3. Use General Church funds and purchase a computer.
Item 1: While item one falls within the guidelines of the LUBA it is very costly and may not be the best use of sacred funds.
Item 2: While item two is the cheapest route there are some restrictions that limit what can be done:
1) Family history center computers are not an option Policy and Guidelines for Computers in Family History Centers
2) Clerks record keeping computers are an option as long as the MLS data base is stored on external media and locked in a secured place while the computer is being used outside of the clerks office. Policy and Guidelines for Computers Used by Clerks for Church Record Keeping
Item 3: While Item 3 is possible and probably the best answer, its not clear what general funds are to be used to purchase a computer for webcasting. That question needs to be asked and answered.