Molinaro Proposes Consolidation of Office of Computer Information Systems with Central Services
First of several consolidations to be presented

Poughkeepsie… As part of his 2013 Executive Budget, Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro is proposing several significant consolidations and reorganizations of county departments as part of a multi-year transformation of Dutchess County Government. Dutchess County legislators had an opportunity to learn about the first of those consolidations at an information session hosted today by the County Executive - the proposed merger of the Office of Computer Information Systems with the Division of Central Services into the new Office of Central and Information Services (OCIS).

The reorganization of the two departments focuses on service improvements, sustainability and new collaborations that will result in long term county cost savings. In 2013, personnel savings alone will total nearly $300,000, as a result of management re-organization and staff reductions.

The two current departments share common focus and goals – providing support and services to other county government departments so they can more efficiently and cost-effectively deliver programs and services to the public. The primary mission of the Office of Computer Information Systems has been to use computer technologies to provide services to county agencies and provide e-Government internet based service for use by the public, local businesses and other government agencies. Central Services’ primary mission is assisting county departments in providing services to the public cost-effectively through central purchasing, contract administration, printing services, mail service, telecommunications, inventory control and central billing.

The consolidation of the two departments will allow for greater integration of services, both internally with county government departments to improve workflow and productivity and externally with municipalities to make use of new technology and other collaboration opportunities.

“By aligning our technology initiatives with Central Services, we can provide vital cost savings and administrative efficiencies for Dutchess County Government,” said OCIS Commissioner Timothy Mahler. “In today’s economic environment where revenues are tight and service demand is on the rise, it is more important than ever that we pursue best practices and innovative uses of evolving technology.”

Among the long term goals and expectations for the new consolidated OCIS are:

• Added Efficiencies for County Departments. OCIS is pursuing a multi-year implementation of an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system used to manage information, provide improved inter-agency collaboration and workflow for a broad range of documents and related data. This will reduce paper usage throughout the county for documents and reduce space demands in the County’s record center.
• Expansion of shared services with municipalities. There will be a focus on working with local municipalities to promote the cost benefits of the County’s printing services, automotive fuel purchases and piggybacking on County contracts for commodity purchases. There will also be opportunities to collaborate in Worker’s Compensation and Health Insurance consortiums and continue to explore other service.
• On-line services and information enhancements for residents and businesses. There will be a continued push for public outreach via electronic communications and providing more accessible, open government with expanded information offerings on the County’s website www.dutchessny.gov.

“As we move forward with our multi-year transformation of County Government, we will be a smaller organization with fewer people, but will continue to have a tremendous service demand from the public. As we seek to reduce the overall cost of government, the new OCIS department will be able to provide efficiencies to a smaller County workforce, shared services for local municipalities, new on-line services and information for residents and future initiatives to continue to reduce County operational expenses,” said County Executive Molinaro.