With a new fiber network circling the county, Scott County is in talks with the city of Prior Lake about merging computer technology systems.

Following the county’s move to network the cities, school districts, police departments, libraries and others to the high-tech fiber optic ring, Prior Lake and county staff began discussing how they could centralize Geographic Information System platforms and share licensing. They hope to eventually fully integrate Prior Lake’s IT network into the county’s system.

With local governments being asked to do more with less and technology rapidly changing, Prior Lake Managerial Assistant Kelly Meyer told a meeting of local government officials this partnership aims to leverage existing expertise and streamline functions.

The work is expected to continue through 2010. Prior Lake City Manager Frank Boyles said the IT partnership is an example of how the Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency is trying to consolidate duplicative services.

The SCALE Service Delivery Committee has compiled a lengthy list of possible partnerships that would enhance services and save resources, Scott County Commissioner Barbara Marschall said.

Shannon Fiecke