…Sometimes it is hard to see the forest for the trees.
Actually I think part of the problem is that the DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners need to be clearer about what they’re doing in purchasing a new $135,400 website. This isn’t just any website, as I read it, but an online database system for the public and for internal DuPage County Forest Preserve functions. Presumably it streamlines internal and external operations and there are gains in efficiency (which means long-run reduced costs). If so, somebody should be out in front saying this to the public and pointing out specific pros and cons.
Do we need a website/database system this elaborate? That’s a fair question - but the DuPage Forest Preserve is an organization that manages over 24,000 acres, 3 million annual visitors and as many as 600 employees with an annual budget over $175 million. That is pretty sizable. It does appear that the firm the Forest Preserve is hiring to do the website has done work for similar, if bigger, operations. I’m not saying I support the new website. I’m saying I need to know more - including whether or not other bids and competing visions of the website were offered at a more modest price. I’m also saying that a lack of communication is at least part of the problem with the public perception of what’s going on here. As Jake suggests, it is a lot of money. DuPage residents should understand why we’re being asked to pay it.
[Hat tip to Rick for the Jake reference.]
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