Orange County NC Website
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4 <br /> EXECUTIVE SUMMARY <br /> Orange County's Strategic Information Technology Plan is offered as a framework for sustainable, <br /> effective and efficient technology investments, coupled with an unwavering focus and commitment to <br /> providing better County services through a more accessible, transparent and accountable <br /> government. Technology is a tool used to improve customer service but the administration, policies, <br /> and procedures surrounding a given function or process must be revised and fine-tuned in order to <br /> provide the highest quality of service. The Strategic IT Plan maps the vital infrastructure, applications, <br /> and initiatives that will enhance County services and their delivery in mission-critical areas. It also <br /> outlines the steps needed to achieve a County information technology enterprise with a focus on <br /> optimized performance, efficiency and effectiveness gains. <br /> Key Findings <br /> There are several key findings in the Orange County Strategic IT Plan, including areas of noted <br /> excellence as well as areas of improved investment: <br /> • The County is building on a strong technological foundation. The work and investments made <br /> by the government have substantially improved customer service and increased efficiency and <br /> effectiveness. <br /> • Currently, the County has roughly half of the IT staff found in similar-sized counties across <br /> North Carolina, while producing remarkable work efforts. Orange County should increase the <br /> number of IT staff in order to keep pace with the desired level of citizen interaction and <br /> engagement, as well as to offer increased transparency and accountability. <br /> • Orange County offers one of the highest numbers of online services of any county in the state. <br /> • The County website is a source of concern for Commissioners and departmental staff. Design <br /> and layout enhancements, content and information navigation/access, and user department <br /> updating of the website are areas of desired improvement. <br /> • High-quality communications are the hallmark of a high-performing IT Department. Orange <br /> County's IT Department needs to engage in more frequent communications with its end users <br /> and elected officials to facilitate needs assessment and service delivery. <br /> • Employee-focused technology investments will produce substantial efficiency and <br /> effectiveness results, thereby improving citizen service and tax dollar investments. <br /> • Although not included in the Strategic Information Technology Plan, public information and <br /> communication strategies were also paramount to the County. To this end, the County is <br /> examining the establishment of a Public Information Officer position. This plan does address <br /> the need to expand social media offerings from the County. <br /> 2 <br />