Commission approves ordinance to create standalone information technology department
Summary
The Commission voted unanimously on first reading to remove IT from Finance, create a stand-alone Department of Innovation and Information Technology Services, and retitle the department head to chief technology officer.
The City Commission voted unanimously on first reading to amend the city code to create a stand-alone information technology department and to rename it the Department of Innovation and Information Technology Services.
Staff said the ordinance removes IT from the finance department’s oversight, elevates IT decision-making, and changes the department head title to director of innovation and information technology services / chief technology officer. The proposal includes a staff review of job descriptions, reporting lines and budget alignment to match the department’s broader mission, including cybersecurity, service delivery and digital transformation.
Staff said the change would centralize IT governance and help the city better manage security, resources and digital initiatives. The ordinance read on the floor included an effective-date provision and required a subsequent ordinance adoption step before the change is final.
Outcome The Commission approved the ordinance on the first reading by roll-call vote; staff will return with any final adjustments required for adoption on second reading, job descriptions and an implementation plan.
Ending Staff noted the department reorganization would be implemented with updated organizational charts, job descriptions and communications to staff.
