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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Many councillors have started reviewing the city's recently released draft budget, line by line.

One item they will come across is a $20,000 proposal for new laptops for councillors. This term's council was the first to get laptops, which were issued in the fall of 2006, and the new machines would be given to their successors.

Divided among the eight councillors, the proposal works out to $2,500 per laptop.

"Different organizations have different ever-greening cycles. Ours is three years," said Carl Bird, director of corporate services. "We replace computers in the city every three years."

Councillors "all telecommute ... none of them have offices here. There's one room they can come and sit in and access a computer, but it's not practical," he added.

Bird also said the number of emails received by the city addressed to council members is "quite large" and added most communication is sent electronically.

While most councillors who responded to Yellowknifer's question said computers are useful tools, not all were comfortable with the price tag attached to the program.

"We do need the tools to do the job and it can be a time-consuming job. But in a time of belt-tightening we have a responsibility to save every penny we can," said city councillor Paul Falvo.

One common suggestion was making funds available to those councillors who may not have the extra cash to purchase a laptop.

"I think it's fair in this day and age to ensure all councillors have access to a computer to fulfil their duties, regardless of their economic status," said Coun. Mark Heyck, adding electronic communication has drastically reduced paper costs in the city.

"Certainly (they) make council more accessible to those considering putting their names forward. I wouldn't want to see someone stay away from running because of not having access to a computer," added Coun. Lydia Bardak.

But not all councillors said they even used their laptops.

"The notebook has been useful when I have travelled on city business but that has happened on only two occasions in the two years serving on council and that need could have been addressed with a loaner laptop," said Coun. David Wind.

"I personally did not require a laptop when I was elected in 2006, and I suspect this was the case for several of my colleagues," said Coun. Shelagh Montgomery.

And while others suggested the current council's laptops – which will be returned to the city after their term – just be updated or repaired as needed, Bird said it wasn't a financially sound idea.

"They become a lot less reliable and the cost to maintain them becomes more than the amortization or the cost over time of buying a new one."