Fingerprint scanners installed about four years ago at 18 Department of Public Works sites citywide have never been used and might never be, even though the city last week settled a payment dispute with the vendor.

TBE Inc., operating as Sonitrol Security Systems in Oakland, sued the city in September, saying the city halted the project halfway through -- after scanners had been installed but before software needed to operate them had been written.

The company sought $71,600 in damages, but City Council last week approved a settlement of about $24,000.

Some of the officials involved in the scanner debate no longer work for the city or have changed posts. The city controller, public works director and solicitor all have changed since 2006.

Solicitor Dan Regan, appointed to that post last year, said he "objectively" looked at Sonitrol's position and concluded that settling the case was in the city's best interest.

In spring 2006, Guy Costa, then public works director, wanted a tamper-proof way of knowing that his workers arrived on time and put in the required number of hours.

Mr. Costa said he believed the scanners and software were among a menu of security options TBE was able to provide under a 2004 general security contract with the city. However, then-Acting City Controller Tony Pokora said that wasn't the case and suggested that Mr. Costa approach City Council with a separate contract for the scanners.

By that time, the scanners had been installed, and the project faced opposition from union leaders and at least one councilman. In August 2006, Mr. Costa sent Sonitrol a letter saying he could not pay for the scanners. The letter also said all hardware "must be removed."

Neither the company nor its lawyer, Shawn Flaherty, could be reached for comment.

The suit included copies of e-mails and other documents in which city officials explicitly authorized the project in spring 2006.

TBE said it lived up to its part of the project and had invested a substantial sum in the work. Upon receiving Mr. Costa's letter, the suit said, the company stopped working on the software needed to operate the scanners.

Rob Kaczorowski, who was named public works director in October, said the scanners are still in place but have never been used. He said he has no interest in using scanners to keep track of his employees, noting that's part of a foreman's responsibilities.

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