IT Manager Reveals Ambitious Plans to Transform City Technology

Toby Cohen, the IT manager for the city of Freeport, presented a comprehensive overview of his department's achievements and future plans during a recent government meeting. Cohen, the sole member of the IT department, highlighted his multifaceted role in maintaining and enhancing the city's technology infrastructure, which includes monitoring networks, managing communication devices, and overseeing cybersecurity measures.

This year, Cohen reported significant improvements in the city's communication capabilities following the implementation of a new phone system, which has eliminated previous outages and resulted in cost savings. He also detailed the successful establishment of a new network infrastructure at the city hall, enhancing both security and operational efficiency.

Cohen's accomplishments extend to responding to over 1,200 technical issues this fiscal year, averaging six problems resolved daily. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures, such as training city staff on cybersecurity threats and managing the city's social media presence.

Looking ahead, Cohen proposed several initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year, including a complete redesign of the city’s website to improve user experience and accessibility. He stressed the need for a new technician position to alleviate his workload, which currently demands over 19 hours of work daily, impacting his health. Additionally, he recommended a full server replacement for city hall to prevent potential liabilities associated with aging hardware.

Cohen concluded by urging the council to invest in technology to ensure the city remains equipped to meet the evolving needs of its residents and maintain high service standards.