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Commission establishes Department of Innovation and Information Technology Services
Summary
On second reading the commission voted to remove IT from Finance, create a standalone Department of Innovation and Information Technology Services and update the department head title to reflect expanded strategic responsibilities.
The City Commission voted unanimously on second and final reading to create a standalone Department of Innovation and Information Technology Services and to move the information technology function out of the Finance Department. The ordinance renames the city unit, updates job titles (Director of Innovation and Information Technology Services or Chief Technology Officer), and establishes the department as reporting directly to the city manager.
Human Resources and staff told the commission the change recognizes information technology as a strategic function — not just an administrative support unit — and will centralize IT decision‑making, strengthen cybersecurity, and position the city to pursue digital initiatives. Benefits listed by staff included clearer IT governance, optimized staffing alignment, improved security posture and more direct authority to support digital transformation.
The ordinance passed on second reading after staff walked through the implementation steps: revised organization chart, updated job descriptions, a review of staffing and budget alignment, and communications to staff and the public. Commissioners praised the change as modernizing city operations and enabling better resident‑facing digital services.
The commission’s roll call vote was unanimous; staff will return with revised position descriptions and any budget adjustments needed during the upcoming pay plan and budget process.
