INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT

Rob Richardson

OPERATING AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE

The Information Systems Department supports the County's technology and County-wide electronic infrastructure. The Department is also responsible for the support of the County public safety technology through the implementation of the LEAP project. During the past few years, the Information Systems Department has become increasingly involved in the technology efforts of local municipalities within Racine County. The Department supports the E-Government technology initiatives for both County government and the local municipalities through GORacine.org.
 

ACHIEVEMENT OF PERFORMANCE GOALS

One goal for the Department this year was to support the County's daily operations with the proper technology to support the efficiency of County staff. One way this was achieved in 2001 was through a joint survey of all internal departments conducted by the County and City of Racine information systems departments. The aim was to determine the state of current technology use and projected future needs. One thing we learned was that the process should be expanded to all publicly funded agencies, and this is being done. In addition, a new help desk product and process was implemented to improve response time and track issues, with the aim of better managing training and systems.

Another goal is to use the technology we have effectively for as long as possible before replacement. In 2001 we enhanced the Inventory database technology and process to track and manage this process.

A third aim for 2001 was to form strategic technology committees to develop and maintain standards. In 2001 four new technology focus groups were formed to address issues with phones, desktop systems, servers/WAN and program development. The Director also chaired a Statewide committee that successfully changed the way the State technology groups and local government agencies communicate technical issues.

Finally, the expansion of GORacine.org will extend the internet beyond the County government operations.
 

2002 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIES

•  Continue to work actively with all County departments to invest in technology that will improve the way each department provides services. Through connections with County municipalities, the Information Systems Department's role has been evolving to support that growing demand for service.
   
•  Work to keep the County's Internet content current so our site can become a critical piece in the delivery of County services online. The E-Government initiatives have created an increased need for the County to coordinate Internet efforts with both local municipalities and the State of Wisconsin. Successful implementation of past initiatives continues to put Racine County in a good position to move this effort forward. Over 56% of Racine County's population has home Internet access, and many more have access through work, schools, libraries and community centers, As a result, our Internet site is becoming a critical part of County operations.
   
•  Provide more internal computer applications through browser-based technology. This initiative will provide access to electronic applications and data for both internal employee and external Internet users, and should decrease the cost of desktop software in the future. It will take a number of years to implement completely, but the effort has been moving forward for more than a year.
   
•  Implement dedicated after-hours technical support for those County operations that run 24/7/365, such as public safety, Ridgewood, the jail and Internet applications.

2002 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIES

The System Administrator in conjunction with the IS Director must prepare an Internet Strategy Plan and report back to the Executive Committee no later than 6/30/02 on the details and timeline for integrating Racine County Services on the Internet. It is assumed that the County Board, Department Heads and other Elected Officials will have considerable input into the plan. The County Executive and County Board Chairman will form an "Ad Hoc" advisory committee that meets on a regular basis to give input to the System Administrator and IS Director. The "Ad Hoc" committee should consist of Department Heads, County Board Supervisors and other interested individuals.