Washington County

This Annual Review for the Information Technology Department outlines its commitment to delivering innovative technology solutions as a trusted partner. The document summarizes the team, service areas, key metrics, and accomplishments from the past year. It also details strategic goals for 2026-2027, focusing on an IT consortium, shared cybersecurity services, and leveraging Artificial Intelligence. Upcoming 2026 projects include a Government Center remodel, a medical records system upgrade, document management software migration, WCApps and VPN upgrades, Microsoft 365 service expansion, and a phone system upgrade. The plan emphasizes continuous improvement, cybersecurity enhancement, support for major capital projects, staff training, and migration to cloud-based solutions to ensure reliable, secure, and future-ready technology services.

The meeting commenced with the Chairman calling the meeting to order and confirming that public hearing and notice requirements were met. The primary discussion item involved considering the revised Site Plan for N&M Properties located at the southwest corner of the Hwy D and Hwy 45 interchange (Tax Key T2 0075). The Plan Commission conditionally approved the revised Site Plan, subject to the county's final decision regarding storm management.

The Town Board Meeting agenda includes the Pledge of Allegiance, public comment session, review of monthly reports from the Washington County Sheriff's Department and local Fire Departments (Jackson and Slinger), and the Chairman's Report. Financial matters on the agenda encompass a review of the Treasurer's Report with approval of vouchers/checks issued, application review for a Temporary Class "B" Alcohol Beverage License for the Washington County Humane Society, and consideration of two resolutions concerning Washington County grants: one for EMS and one for Roadway Shared Services.

Key discussions during the meeting included a review of the Washington County Sheriff's Department Liaison Deputy's report, noting a high volume of calls, and a fire department report which could not be retrieved. The Zoning Administrator reported no updates. Discussions covered the worsening dip on Salisbury Road, pending replacement blades for plowing equipment, and the successful installation of cameras on the Bridge with plans for installation at the Transfer Station. A presentation on Cyber Security services was reviewed, with plans to follow up with Sprinter IT for additional services. Updates were provided on the new snowplow truck, estimated to arrive in February or March 2026. The Board discussed roads slated for the bid list, including necessary work for Hickory Hill Dr and chip sealing for Mount Pleasant Drive and associated roads, as well as modifications to North Point Court and Old Apple Lane. For Kopp Cemetery, the Board decided to investigate the budget for a smaller mower and a storage shed. Finally, the Board discussed EMS resolutions, planning to investigate further and review other towns' resolutions before the next meeting, which will feature the EMS resolution on the agenda.

The meeting included discussions on the 2025 year-end report for out of home care and inpatient hospitalization, noting that these are the largest budget drivers. The committee reviewed budgeting philosophy concerning alignment between budget targets and actual spending. Key points included efforts to reduce high-cost residential care placements and the rising daily rates for such care, including two youth placed in the high-cost Mandota Mental Health facility. Expenditures for shelter care in 2025 were noted as high prior to the shelter's closure in 2026 and contracting with Waka County. The inpatient report covered costs fluctuating due to delayed reimbursements, with 2025 showing higher costs largely due to one individual placed in Mandota Mental Health since August 2024. The adult placement report detailed the use of adult family homes and community-based residential facilities, highlighting an increase in clients enrolled in Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), which increases access to services. The committee also discussed the role of Calm Harbor as a crisis stabilization facility, which is budgeted separately. Finally, the crew report detailed productivity increases and efforts to engage more law enforcement jurisdictions in calling out crew services.