July 21, 2020

Ottawa County website ranks 9th in the nation

The Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) announced the winners of the 19th annual Digital Counties Survey. Ottawa County, Michigan's technology practices and website, miOttawa.org, were named 9th in the nation compared to counties with similarly sized populations (250,000 - 499,000). The award, given by CDG in partnership with NACo, identifies US counties with the best practices, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services, encourage collaboration, and enhance cybersecurity.

“It is an honor to be recognized nationally for our technology. Offering a secure website, robust in online business is simply good customer service. The need to have these online services was underscored during the COVID-19 lobby closures," said Shannon Felgner, Ottawa County’s Communication Manager. "Citizens can access permits, records, and other needs 24-7 without leaving home. It is efficient for citizens and for the County. And during the height of the pandemic, miottawa.org was the safest option." 

The 2018 citizen survey found support for Ottawa’s online presence as well: 

• 76% of residents who had visited miOttawa.org offered a positive assessment.
• 81% of citizens aged 18-49 said they would prefer doing business online versus visiting an office.

Citizens in Ottawa County are actively visiting miOttawa.org for those online services. During the fiscal year 2020, a total of 90,678 transactions were completed online, translating to $3,008,607 worth of services. Online services are efficient for both customers and the County. 

The County’s first e-service was property tax searches, initiated in October of 2005.

Along with services, residents can stay connected through technology. Ottawa County added email subscription services in 2015 to engage and inform residents. To date, more than 135,479 people are subscribed to receive county news.

"Though we have consistently been recognized for having a quality website, miOttawa.org is always a work in progress. We continue to grow our online services and to use technology in creative ways both internally for employees and externally for our customers," Felgner added. Ottawa County has been honored with a Digital Counties Survey Award eleven times since 2008.

Ottawa County employs nearly 30 skilled individuals in its own Innovation and Technology department led by Paul Klimas and and the organization works with WebTecs, Inc. for many of its of online solutions.

Only two other Michigan counties made the top ten list in their population categories: Oakland County and Berrien County. See all the winners and their rankings and comments from leaders of NACo and CDG.

Visit our suite of online services.
miOttawa.org/ServiceCenter

Media Contacts:

Shannon Felgner | Ottawa County Communications Manager | 616-738-4672 | 616-610-4401 | sfelgner@miottawa.org

Janet Grenslitt | Director of Surveys and Awards-Center for Digital Government | 916-932-1363| jgrenslitt@erepublic.com