Yuma County website earns national award

Residents in the know have already checked out the Video-on-Demand and live streaming features on the Yuma County government Web site - and now a national organization has recognized the county for its services.

e.Republics Center for Digital Government recognized Yuma County in the government-to-citizen county government category for its digital delivery.

The county announced the recognition in a news release Wednesday.

According to the release, the Digital Government Achievement Awards recognizes outstanding agency and department websites and projects at the application and infrastructure level.

The organization recognized the top organizations in the following categories: government-to-government, government-to-citizen city government, government-to-citizen county government, government-to-citizen state government, government-to-business, and government internal.

“The winners' innovative use of the Internet to continue delivering citizen services despite tight fiscal constraints is inspiring,” said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. “This skilled use of the Web embodies the spirit of the Best of the Web awards and provides examples to state and local government leaders around the country on how to bring quality services to their citizens while containing costs.

“We applaud all of you for your creativity and your dedication.”

County Administrator Robert Pickels said they're excited to be recognized for providing “quality services at a fraction of the cost that others are paying.”

“The efforts of our staff and a partnership with EarthChannel have enables us to bring county government conveniently to the world,” he said.

According to the release, the county will receive the award during the 15th annual Digital Government and Education Achievement Awards Sept. 17 in Hollywood. The event begins with a half-day workshop, followed by a dinner and awards presentation that acknowledges the winners of the state and local contests. Attendees discuss and share their own best practices and successful actions while looking at future challenges and trends.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.