During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the status and funding of the county's IT projects, highlighting the importance of staff retention and the need for continued investment in technology. The county currently has 84 active projects, which range from building communication systems for the prosecutor's office to installing security cameras and door controllers at various locations.

The IT department's director emphasized the unique capabilities of their team, asserting that no other department can match their comprehensive service offerings. He noted that Walla Walla County has made significant strides in IT, setting a benchmark for progress compared to the city of Walla Walla, which was previously seen as more advanced. However, he cautioned that without retaining skilled staff, the county risks losing its competitive edge.

Concerns were raised about funding these initiatives, with suggestions to leverage non-current expense funds from other departments, particularly as the community health department has seen substantial growth in service requests. The director clarified that the IT department charges based on the number of users and computers, which directly benefits both county employees and citizens.

The meeting also touched on the financial implications of potential security breaches, with the director highlighting that a single incident could cost more than the department's revenue over five years. The discussions underscored the critical need for ongoing support and investment in IT to ensure the county can maintain its service standards and protect its technological infrastructure.