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The findings were categorized as strengths, weaknesses, training issues, reporting issues and concerns about implementing modifications to existing applications as well as the replacement of several major systems. Emphasis was placed on Orange County's lack of a consistent methodology to manage technology projects which leads to confusion about the respective roles and responsibilities of departments and Information Services (IS) in terms of who has accountability for projects. Kevin Fitzgerald summarized his findings from the interviews he conducted with other governmental entities. He said that most of the units have adopted a project management methodology. In all cases, Orange County had less staff than any other governmental unit he interviewed. Also, the level of funding was lower than any other governmental unit. Kevin Fitzgerald listed his recommendations for staffing. He recommended creating a Chief Information Officer (CIO) position responsible to the County Manager and functioning as a senior staff member. He listed the responsibilities of the position. He recommended adding two (2) full-time Business Analysts and upgrading two (2) temporary help-desk positions to permanent status. He feels that the County Manager should set a countywide policy that specifies that the IS Department has overall responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the County network and all applications and equipment that run on it. The policy should include the role of the CIO and consultation with departments. He also made recommendations regarding training, communication and Information Technology Strategic planning and eGovernment planning which is in the agenda abstract. Commissioner Gordon suggested that the title of CIO should be changed to "Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO)" or even better, "Chief Technology Officer (CTO)" since it is shorter. Otherwise this position could be confused with other "information" positions related to communications such as Public Information Officer (PIO). To illustrate how such a chief officer would operate, Kevin Fitzgerald said that there is currently a request out for a new business system. This is very complicated involving four departments. Someone must have the ultimate responsibility and be the project manager, interacting with the contractor and communicating with all the parties. That kind of methodology is not in place in Orange County. People are doing this in addition to their other responsibilities instead of having one person in place to handle these types of issues. In response to a request from Commissioner Gordon, Kevin Fitzgerald said he would send the BOCC an example of a project management process used by another jurisdiction. Commissioner Gordon asked how there could be better collaboration. Kevin Fitzgerald said that it is important to have someone not only looking out for that particular department but also looking at the big picture for the entirety of County government. A good project management methodology will help sort out all of the issues and be clear about the objectives and responsibilities. The project needs to be cost effective, on time and at a quality you want. We are talking about managing really important systems - GIS and business system among others. In answer to a question from Commissioner Gordon, Kevin Fitzgerald said that business is defined as the specific activities in that particular department. Technology needs to support good functioning of those efforts. In terms of the IT Committee, the level of technology expertise of the members of this committee is very high which has helped the County in placing emphasis on establishing an equipment replacement policy, migrating from the mainframe to the Internet and putting some real strength in the standards which have been put in place. A strong emphasis from the IT Committee is eGovernment. Kevin Fitzgerald made reference to the help desk and said that employees express a very strong appreciation of the help desk but there is a need for a faster response to unique problems. These