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 Digital Counties Survey, an annual study by the Center for Digital Government (Center) and National Association of Counties (NACo). In recognition of their work and innovations, the survey's top-10 digital counties will be showcased and honored at a national awards ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In April, all counties in the U.S. were invited to participate in the 2005 Digital Counties Survey, which is underwritten by OnBase, a Hyland Software Solution. 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. A top-10 ranking was established for each category.

First-place winners in each respective category are Fairfax County, Va.; Prince William County, Va. (three-time first-place winner); Roanoke County, Va. (repeat winner from last year); and Charles County, Md. (three-time first-place winner).

"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

500,000 or more population:

• 1st place: Fairfax County, Va.
• 2nd place: Fulton County, Ga. (tie)
• 2nd place: San Diego County, Calif. (tie)
• 3rd place: Orange County, Fla.
• 4th place: King County, Wash.
• 5th place: Montgomery County, Md.
• 6th place: Oakland County, Mich.
• 7th place: Westchester County, N.Y.
• 8th place: Ann Arundel County, Md.
• 9th place: Alameda County, Calif. (tie)
• 9th place: Tulsa County, Okla. (tie)
• 10th place: Miami-Dade County, Fla.

250,000-499,999 population

• 1st place: Prince William County, Va.
• 2nd place: Loudoun County, Va.
• 3rd place: Dakota County, Minn.
• 4th place: Boulder County, Colo.
• 5th place: Sedgwick County, Kansas (tie)
• 5th place: Seminole County, Fla. (tie)
• 6th place: Utah County, Utah
• 7th place: Richland County, S.C.
• 8th place: Dutchess County, N.Y.
• 9th place: Washtenaw County, Mich.
• 10th place: Marin County, Calif.

150,000-249,999 population:

• 1st place: Roanoke County, Va.
• 2nd place: Merced County, Calif.
• 3rd place: Arlington County, Va. (tie)
• 3rd place: Hamilton County, Ind. (tie)
• 4th place: Clermont County, Ohio
• 5th place: Scott County, Iowa
• 6th place: Frederick County, Md.
• 7th place: Jackson County, Ore.
• 8th place: Racine County, Wis.
• 9th place: Carroll County, Md.
• 10th place: McLean County, Ill.

Less than 150,000 population:

• 1st place: Charles County, Md.
• 2nd place: Nevada County, Calif.
• 3rd place: Napa County, Calif.
• 4th place: Sutter County, Calif.
• 5th place: Boone County, Mo.
• 6th place: Stearns County, Minn.
• 7th place: Olmsted County, Minn.
• 8th place: Albemarle County, Va.
• 9th place: Delaware County, Ohio
• 10th place: Deschutes County, Ore.

Many of the winners attribute their success to the hard work put forth by their leadership and staff. Roanoke County Administrator Elmer C. Hodge said the staff in the county's IT department is the best you'll find. "They are committed to providing the highest level of service available for our citizens and businesses."

As three-peat winners, Charles County government leaders are pleased to retain their top position, even with the stiff competition, officials noted. "This honor is a credit to our very professional IT staff and our Board of Commissioners who have been consistently supportive in providing the resources necessary to realize the advances in the use of technology we are being recognized for today," said Eugene Lauer, county administrator.

Fairfax County, Va., has worked diligently over the years to provide citizens with greater access to their government. "It is gratifying to see our success in e-access recognized in this way," said Chairman Gerald E. Connolly, of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
KW