PINELLAS COUNTY – Consolidation of Information Systems and Information Technology Departments is the latest cost-saving measure being implemented by Pinellas County government.
Interim County Administrator Fred Marquis announced on Feb. 12 that a joint committee of staff from the two departments had explored leading practices in place in the industry and ways to sustain and improve service and concluded that consolidation was the answer.
“The committee found that a consolidation of the departments was feasible and would yield economies ad synergies that the departments alone could not achieve,” Marquis said in a memo to staff.
The new department will be called Business Technology Services and will report to the Information Technology Board governed by an interlocal agreement. The department will be headed by Paul Alexander.
The new department will provide services for the Board of County Commissioners, as well as constitutional officers, independent agencies and the courts.
Officials estimate that as many as 11 employee position will be eliminated because of the consolidation. Marquis efforts would be made to help the employees find other opportunities in other county departments or agencies. The positions will continue to be funded through Sept. 30, 2008.
“Unfortunately, the budget impact of Amendment 1 and the revenue caps previously adopted by the Florida Legislature make these hard decisions necessary,” Marquis said.
