July 26, 2006
Dear Manassas Park Residents,
This past year has been a remarkable year for the City’s Information Technology. Starting last summer, the City planned for and installed a new phone system that is now operational. The new system improves citizen service by increasing flexibility and reliability, helping your City serve you better.
Last Fall, the City introduced the first of several electronic services to come. The first e-service, an online Residential Property Assessment database, debuted on March 1, 2006. The next e-service, introduced earlier this month, is an online bill payments portion for personal property taxes and water bills.
In November, the City hired its first Information Technology Manager. He is dedicated solely to IT issues and development, allowing other City staff members to focus on their primary duties. An additional IT Specialist has been added for the 2006-2007 fiscal year.
This year’s budget also includes dedicated funds for several IT initiatives. Many of these projects have been completed or are underway; enhancing services for our City’s residents:
1. The consolidation of many of the network assets to a centralized and secure location. This allows for better physical security and improved facilities for the equipment.
2. Re-engineering the City’s Police Department network to enhance security, network efficiency, and central management, thus allowing for better information sharing with Public Safety officials while protecting sensitive data.
3. Development and implementation of the new police station overall technology infrastructure, which will serve as the Emergency Operations Center for the City.
4. Restructuring of the network configuration that including network security enhancements, firewall implementation and enhancements to existing antivirus protection, to protect citizen information.
5. Improved file sharing within departments that increases collaboration and use of departmental information to assist residents in a more efficient manner.
In addition to these initiatives, a separate Information Technology Division was created and had its first budget adopted by the Governing Body this year. The City will continue to use Information Technology as a tool to move Manassas Park forward enabling City staff to continue providing a high level of service to you.
Sincerely,
Bryan Polk
Vice Mayor
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