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oftentimes take too long. The employees are appreciative of the equipment replacement policy. Some users are specialized and they would like a broader choice of the kind of equipment they get. Generally speaking, the computers are highly used in the County. The availability of training with Durham Technical Community College (DTCC) is a strength. There was some concern that new employees need additional help in becoming familiar with common uses such as email, etc. Chair Jacobs questioned if it is a good thing or bad thing that some departments have their own technology person. Kevin Fitzgerald said that the area of concern is how these departments relate with and interact with the IS department. The control of the network and scope of the network is under the control of the IS department. Problematic is the coordination with the IS department. Commissioner Gordon asked about any thoughts or guidelines as the County grows in having additional technology personnel in various County departments. Kevin Fitzgerald said that it is only problematic when it is not coordinated with the IS department. staff. Kevin Fitzgerald emphasized that the staff in IS is spread really thin. They do not have enough Kevin Fitzgerald said that there was some interest expressed in getting some additional resources by contracting out some of the support services. In his interviews, there were some new applications added within County departments without communicating with IS and the IS department has had to make adjustments to accommodate these new applications. There are some communication issues and confusion about roles and responsibilities and about who has control. When he looked at the benchmark communities, the IS departments have control and responsibility for all the equipment and running of that equipment. They work hard to develop collaborative relationships in new techniques and software. In all instances, the IS director reports directly to the County Manager or the Assistant County Manager. Many Counties and cities are dealing with migration to new systems. Common systems being upgraded include GIS, Register of Deeds. Several units are developing eGovernment plans. Forsyth County has just completed such a plan. Commissioner Halkiotis questioned if other states support their counties with applications and technology. Kevin Fitzgerald did not know. He said that he feels that working with the State will take some time and that it will eventually happen. Commissioner Gordon asked about other jurisdictions which have IT staff in other departments and Kevin Fitzgerald said that he compared only the number of people in the IS dept. He said that in Orange County Government there are probably four more positions outside of the IS department which do technology support or functions. Commissioner Halkiotis observed that looking at the recommendations, it would cost $385,000 to $400,000 to implement them and asked if there is any opportunity to consolidate positions from the other departments to save some money. Kevin Fitzgerald didn't think there was any way of doing this. Commissioner Carey asked about the involvement of all departments and Kevin Fitzgerald said that there could be an interdepartmental committee that would decide how decisions are made. It could be a new Orange County technology steering committee. This would need to be what works best for the County. John Link said that he would not pursue a permanent standing committee but it would be staff coming together to address a particular issue.