Mary Stuart, The City of Brewer, Maine

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Mary Stuart, The City of Brewer, Maine

GMIS member since 2009
Number of IT staff: 1
Population: 10,000
IT budget: $146,900

What has been a significant technology achievement for you or your organization?
The City of Brewer Technology Department is dedicated to providing reliable and secure access to information systems and computer technology to support the operations of all the City Departments. The primary goal of the Technology Department is to ensure that the City computer network operates efficiently and effectively on a daily basis. The City promotes its employees to be independent and responsible users of technology.

What future initiatives are you hoping to accomplish in the next year?
In FY2015 the Technology Department focused on computer replacements and server upgrades. A public Wi-Fi was placed along the Brewer Riverwalk Trail for those visiting the City of Brewer waterfront.

In FY2016 the Technology Department is focusing on security and backup with software/hardware upgrades along with user training. The City is implementing a GIS Mapping system. Another new project being implemented is traffic signal software. The Parks and Recreation Department is preparing to begin online registrations and payments for events.

The City's E-government includes items such as E-List, Rapid Renewal (online auto registration through the state), the City web page (www.brewermaine.gov), and social networking. The City of Brewer website was revised last year to include a How Can We Help You section, an upgraded search feature, and a Point of Interest map. Joshua Chamberlain remains on duty to provide interesting facts when clicked. The web page provides citizens and businesses with items such as the city ordinances, a city calendar, and the city tax maps. The City's E-List is used to communicate City information such as spring cleanup, Brewer Days, universal waste days, and city-sponsored-activities to our citizens and local businesses.

The City currently has five Facebook accounts managed by various departments - City of Brewer Maine, City of Brewer Economic Development, Brewer Police Department, Brewer Parks and Recreation Department, and Brewer Public Library. The City added a Twitter account to its social media mix this year.

Best advice you could offer your fellow members is...
A person may be able to do many things, but no one person can do everything. A person should always be willing to seek and accept assistance. Team work is essential.

We all know GMIS membership is worth its weight in gold but what do you feel is the best benefit you get out of GMIS?
GMIS has given the City of Brewer Technology Director a network of contacts to share insights and gain additional information on a variety of subjects along with education opportunities.

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