Fiscal Note
Information Technology is currently working on a project for the Madison Police Department which uses Google Translate. There is no cost to use Google Translate and Information Technology estimates the staff time will be minor and can be funded with existing resources.
Rates for interpreters range from by the word (for example, Spanish translation could cost $60 for less than 300 words and $120 for between 301 and 500 words) to by the hour (Spanish $100 per hour).
If agencies determine they would like to have projects translated, a separate budget amendment resolution funding costs for human translators may be necessary.
The development of the comprehensive language access plan will be accomplished with existing resources. The Department of Civil Rights anticipates that there may be additional costs associated with the implementation of the plan which would be requested as part of the 2018 operating budget process.
Title
SUBSTITUTE - Prohibiting the use of machine translation for official City of Madison communications, including the City website and directing the Department of Civil Rights to develop a comprehensive language access plan to be submitted to the Common Council by June 2017.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison is home to 15.2% residents over 5 years of age who speak a language other than English at home, many of whom are limited English proficient (LEP); and,
WHEREAS, accurate communication with its residents is of the highest priority for the City; and,
WHEREAS, the City Department of Civil Rights has created a Language Assistance Program to ensure compliance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and to provide equal access to and full participation in all City services, programs and activities; and,
WHEREAS, machine translation is the translation of text by a computer software, with no human involvement and can also be referred to as automated translation, automatic translation or instant translation; and,
WHER...
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