Nevada County's eGovernment effort belies its small size and rural-to-frontier geography. The County continuously embraces advanced technologies, attracting high technology firms looking for a cleaner and more relaxed environment for some of their more specialized employees. The County's Internet-based eGovernment project has grown to encompass a wide variety of services. Assisting in this growth have been area businesses, organizations, and other government entities such as the local Economic Resource Council and the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District.
The County provides online services that include library services, lookup and purchase of recorder's documents, a continuously updated "Most Wanted" list from the Sheriff's Department, live online election results, a preview of County sales such as surplus equipment and tax-delinquent real estate, and an upcoming Citizen Relationship System that will allow residents and businesses to submit complaints and service requests online and follow their progress through to completion.
Information technology (IT) is being deployed on a grand scale by county governments across the U.S. to better serve citizens, according to the 2005 Survey. In April, all counties in the U.S. were invited to participate in the 2005 Survey, which is underwritten by Onbase. Officials responded to a set of 22 questions that included more than 95 measurements or data points. The survey grouped counties into four population categories: 500,000 or more; 250,000-499,999; 150,000-249,999; and less than 150,000 (which includes Nevada County). A top-10 ranking was established for each category.
First-place winners in each respective category are Fairfax County, Va., Prince William County, Va.; Roanoke County, Va. (repeat winner from last year), and Charles County, Md. (repeat winner from last year).
"It is a pleasure to acknowledge and showcase our nation's most digitally-advanced county governments," said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center. "There is so much hard work and planning going on behind the scenes in county government – to make life a little easier for all citizens. Local governments are to be commended for their ambitious efforts, accomplishments and outstanding customer service."
NACo Executive Director Larry Naake concurs. "The Digital Counties Survey effectively demonstrates how county governments of all sizes across the country are positively applying technology to deliver quality services to their citizens," he said. "This award is a reflection of their outstanding work and innovations."
2005 Top 10 Digital Counties Survey
Less than 150,000 population:
- st place: Charles County, Md.
- nd place: Nevada County, Calif.
- rd place: Napa County, Calif.
- th place: Sutter County, Calif.
- th place: Boone County, Calif.
- th place: Stearns County, Minn.
- th place: Olmsted County, Minn.
- th place: Albemarle County: Va.
- th place: Delaware County, Ohio
- th place: Deschutes County, Ore.
Autor: Dave Bloch
Quelle: YubaNet, 30.06.2005
