21st Century May Not Compute, Report Warns Simi Valley Council

On the face of it, the problem doesn’t seem all that daunting: Retool a computer so it won’t go on the fritz after Dec. 31, 1999.

But as the City Council learned Monday, the problem with a new millennium--and computers programmed to deal only with years in the 20th century--is a bit more complicated.

Council members heard a report from city staff members on the progress of their work to “teach” all city computers and data bases to understand the year 2000.

So far, the city has spent more than $26,000 to study and upgrade the city’s digital network. More expense could be on the way; the council was told the rest of the job could mean replacing the system’s software, rather than reprogramming the machines that handle city functions from payroll to budgets.

The council will likely be asked for an additional $30,000 in the coming year. Members appeared willing to spend the money.

“I don’t think the city could afford not to fix the problem,” said Councilwoman Barbara Williamson. “We don’t want to slip backwards--we like to keep moving ahead.”

The arrival of the year 2000 has been seen by some in the industry as a significant threat to anyone or anything that relies on computers.

Some analysts warn that when the year rolls around, computers that have not been upgraded will read the date as 1900. That could jeopardize any task that requires a date, like paying a bill or issuing a pay check.