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Department Approval: at 0_ + Manager Approved: Date: 1 I/1 7003 Item o: UL A. Agenda Section: Presentations Item Description: Further Consideration of Attending Discussion Groups on the Ramsey County Information Technology (IT) Initiative Background At the October 20"' City Council meeting, the Council a heard a presentation from Jim McDonough, Chair of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, regarding the County's information technology (IT) initiative. This initiative, as presented by Mr. McDonough involved a projected 18,m onth study to evaluate the opportunities and risks of creating a joint entity that would provide information management and technology services to local units of government in Ramsey County. After some discussion, the City Council directed Staff to bring forth additional information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of participating in the study, The following information is submitted for Council consideration. The IT Business Plan has indeed proven successful. The success hinges on a business model that focuses on the ability to share expertise and purchasing power across common platforms, yet allows individual cities to retain their identity and local preferences. The City has deliberately formed partnerships with other jurisdictions that provide similar programs and services. This ensures that the City's IT resources stay within the general realm of the City's mission. The success of the Plan can also be attributable to a minimal governance structure. Because each entity retains its own level of control, and some level of IT expertise within its own organization, there is no need for additional administrative layers. Cooperative efforts are managed primarily by the technical, front -line Staff, fret preserving the necessary communication to decision - makers at each respective jurisdiction.