PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County has developed a strategic technology plan that will allow the county to upgrade its online services.
“I’m excited about this,” said information services Director David Shambley.
“It will allow people access to any county function online.”
The end result is a redesigned county Web page that will go live at the end of 2013, though some services may be available sooner, according to Shambley’s report, which was given to the Jefferson County commissioners Monday.
“Jefferson County is presently playing catch-up as it is two years behind in improvements compared to other cities and counties,” the report said.
An enhanced microfiche system will put court records online, giving lawyers and defendants access to documents without having to visit the Jefferson County Courthouse.
This service won’t be free, as an access charge will be assessed that resembles the current process of paying a copier fee to acquire documents. Other services will cost the same or less than what the county is charging, Shambley said.
The county’s servers, currently housed in the courthouse, will be moved to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Port Hadlock, which has a more robust power backup system.
“There is no space for an alternative power service in the current location,” Shambley said.
“The sheriff already has the generators set up, which will keep data access going if there is a power failure.”
The county network’s topology will resemble a triangle, connecting the courthouse, the Sheriff’s Office and the Castle Hill offices, which house the Health Department and the Department of Community Development.
Once this connection is made, county residents will be able to submit permit applications online.
This process is dependent on the installation of local broadband, which will make the online transmission of large documents possible.
It also will grant county offices the ability to teleconference with other sources both within the county and without, which will increase efficiency by not requiring travel for meetings, according to Shambley’s report.
Shambley said the proposed improvements, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to replace long-distance service, will save enough money to pay for any improvements.
“With all the savings we’ll get from installing the new technologies, it will be a wash to purchase the equipment we need,” he said.
This includes reducing the cost per user by $967 with the purchase of workstations to replace obsolete PCs and continuing yearly software licences instead of purchasing full-upgrade versions, he said.
“It is important that we promote the increased use of Web-based technologies that will reduce costs associated with providing public services,” the report said.
“Secure, reliable and user-friendly public information access through Internet-based methods as opposed to walk-ins, mail and phone traffic will position the county to serve the public in a more responsive and effective manner.”
The strategic plan also includes the installation of wireless technology, connecting both county workers and visitors to the Internet, the report said.
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.