"We need to be on the map worldwide," said Commissioner Vincent Vicites, who added that Fayette is among a shrinking number of counties that do not have a Web site dedicated to government offices and business. Initially, the county's Web site will contain the basics. Vicites said he is concerned that people seeking information about county offices such as zoning or assessment, can't easily obtain it online.
"It will be general information, but it will give a point of contact," he said.
But Vicites envisions the Web page as a first step toward what he called "e-government," a system in which some county duties could be handled via a personal computer miles away.
As an example, he talked about establishing a computerized filing system that would allow people, for a fee, to download a variety of public documents such as lawsuits and deeds.
"You'd never have to come to the courthouse," Vicites said.
During a meeting last week, Fayette County commissioners voted unanimously to apply for a state Department of Economic Development grant that also would help to fund projects at two outdoor trails.
In supporting the idea, commissioners Chairwoman Angela Zimmerlink said the Web site would be a useful tool for the community, containing among other postings a calendar of county events.
During a brief discussion before the vote on the grant, Zimmerlink complimented Westmoreland County's Web site, saying that perhaps Fayette officials should contact Westmoreland's webmaster for tips on building the pages.
"It's very informative," she said.
Web surfers already can learn about Fayette's history and business climate by clicking their way to Web sites posted by Fay-Penn Economic Development Council and the county's chamber of commerce. They can also find county attractions, such as the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes in Mill Run and Chalk Hill.
Vicites said he doesn't want the county's Web site to duplicate what's already online.
Building a Web site also may be a reason to establish an information technology department, he said. Fayette County has multiple contracts for computer services throughout its county offices. Vicites said that handling some of the duties in-house might end up saving a considerable sum.
"I think it's the wave of the future and a way to control your own destiny," he said.
Quelle: The Daily Courier, 30.04.2004
