The survey recognizes leading examples of counties using information and communications technology. Bay County also received a top 10 finish in 2010 in the under 150,000 population category.

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Bay County Wins Again; Rated in Top 10 Nationally For Digital Communication

July 16, 2011
By: Dave Rogers

For the second year in a row, Bay County has received a top 10 rating in the less than 150,000 population category in the 2011 Digital Counties Survey.

The survey recognizes leading examples of counties using information and communications technology. Bay County also received a 10th place finish in 2010 in the under 150,000 population category.

Counties are consolidating and sharing services to cut down on costs and leveraging technology like virtualization to capture critical savings, said County Executive Thomas L. Hickner and Board Chairman Donald J. Tilley.

The survey is conducted annually by the Digital Communities program, a joint effort of the Center for Digital Government and Government Technology; and in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Winners were divided into four population categories that that ranked the top 10 positions and ties. First-place winners in each category emphasized IT initiatives and projects that cut costs and helped their agencies cope with shrinking work forces.

"Survey responses indicate counties are effectively economizing and finding innovative ways of using technology to meet the higher demand for services during this trying economic time," said Todd Sander, executive director of the Digital Communities program.

"The Digital Counties Survey identifies the very best examples of how counties are aligning technology to support strategic priorities and create crucial operational and administrative efficiencies," said NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake. "Especially important during these tough economic times, counties across the country are using innovative technologies to reduce county operations costs and enhance service delivery."

Bay County is honored to accept this award and will strive to continually enhance our information technology to improve the service provided to our citizens, said Mr. Hickner and Mr. Tilley.

Palm Beach County, Florida; Washoe County, Nevada; Pueblo County, Colorado; and County of Nevada, California are all first place winners in the 2011 Digital Counties Survey which recognizes leading examples of counties using information and communications technology. e.Republic's Center for Digital Government and Digital Communities program, in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo), identify best electronic practices among counties nationwide, regardless of size.

This year's survey was underwritten by Hyland Software, developers of OnBase; Insight Public Sector, Inc.; Juniper Networks; McAfee; Quest Software, Inc.; and Sprint.

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