Information Technology

Mission Statement

To provide INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY services that focus on the SECURITY of business processes and citizen data, to provide SUPPORT for the technical functions of city departments and the flow of information, and to implement top-tier SOLUTIONS that enhance the lives of the citizens, employees, and visitors within the City of Vandalia.

Responsibilities

The IT Department for the City of Vandalia handles a broad range of responsibilities for all city departments, including Police, Fire, Development Engineering Services, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Tax, Finance, and the City Manager’s Office. This includes servicing a 911 Call Center, Golf Course, Senior Center, Outdoor Pool and Recreation Center. The department handles nearly all support requests internally, eliminating the need for 3rd party onsite support contracts. Core duties include managing the city’s network infrastructure, ensuring reliable internet and wireless connectivity across various city buildings, maintaining data backup and recovery procedures, and overseeing virtual servers and storage area networks. The department is responsible for monitoring network performance, ensuring security through firewalls, VPNs, and access control systems, and keeping essential systems like email and the phone network operational. IT staff also maintain physical security systems and provide emergency support for critical city operations, such as public safety communications and 911 systems.

Beyond day-to-day operations, the team supports a variety of specialized applications used by city departments, including financial software, document management systems, and public safety tools. They troubleshoot issues with PA systems, security alarms, video equipment, and access control systems across multiple city buildings. The department also handles vendor management, creates and tracks purchase orders, and monitors hardware warranties. IT support extends to media and event coordination, ensuring systems like streaming video, council meetings, and public events are managed efficiently.

In addition to technical responsibilities, the department plays an active role in planning and policy. They develop disaster recovery procedures, update security policies, and ensure compliance with legal and industry standards like LEADS. The department also evaluates new technology to ensure that the city stays up-to-date, seeking solutions that improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Training for city staff, maintaining detailed network documentation, and attending technology group meetings to stay informed on regional IT trends are also critical functions.