The governor's action puts on hold the transfer of some 350 information and technology employees in various state agencies to the direct management of DOIT. The consolidation had been planned to take effect Oct. 1.
"Information and technology employees will remain employees of their current agencies and will continue to coordinate their work with DOIT," Gov. Rell said. "Instead of consolidation, I want to focus on selecting a new commissioner for the department. His or her first major task will be a review of DOIT's current operations."
Under the centralization plan suspended by Gov. Rell, non-managerial computer personnel would have continued serving in various state agencies but would have become DOIT employees. Currently, DOIT coordinates information and technology services for state agencies, but individual agencies also employ computer staffers.
"As with any major initiative, it is important that we have all the pieces in place before choosing a course of action," Gov. Rell said. "The new commissioner will be charged with determining the most appropriate way to maximize the delivery of information technology to state government."
The governor asked DOIT Commissioner Gregg "Rock" Regan to announce her decision and instructed him to take the necessary steps to ensure that information and technology services continue without interruption.
Because the fiscal 2005 budget allows for the centralization but does not require it, there will be no fiscal impact to the governor's decision.
A national search for a new commissioner is currently in progress.
