
HOLLAND — The Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties recently recognized Ottawa County for its digital footprint being among the best in the nation.
Ottawa County was named the ninth-best county in terms of technology practices and website in its population group by CDG and NACO, the county announced Wednesday.
County officials said an increase in online services on miottawa.org during the coronavirus pandemic highlighted the need for a responsive website.
“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,” Communications Director Shannon Felgner said in a news release.
A 2018 survey conducted by the county found a majority of residents surveyed had a positive experience on the website, and preferred doing county transactions online rather than in-person.
County residents can perform various tasks online, such as ordering a vital record, applying for a concealed pistol license and applying for a marriage license.
“Citizens can access permits, records, and other needs 24/7 without leaving home,” Felgner added. “It is efficient for citizens and for the County. And during the height of the pandemic, miottawa.org was the safest option.”
During the fiscal year 2020, more than 90,000 transactions were completed online, translating to over $3 million worth of services.