Little Elm Journal > News
Town launches new software for two-way communication on website
By Emily Hill, ehill@starlocalnews.com, @eh_scnnews on Twitter
The town of Little Elm launched a new communication tool last Friday for residents on its town website, littleelm.org, in an effort to open two-way communication between the town and the residents.
"We've taken several steps to create a greater flow of communication, and this latest addition to our communication arsenal is something we hope will make it easier for residents to speak with us directly," said Town Manager Matt Mueller in a press release.
The new software allows residents to submit a request for a service or make inquiries to town staff by clicking on "Ask the Town," which was added to the website today. Residents will also be able to learn more about the town, its departments and the government structure by visiting the "Citizen Knowledge Base," which replaces the "My Gov Action Center" page.
"It's our chance to really communicate with the residents ultimately, and for them to communicate with us as well," said Kevin Mattingly, Public Works director.
Before, the "My Gov Action Center" page allowed residents to put in a work order for the Public Works Department or sign up for permits. Residents will now be able to submit a request and track it from the beginning with responses from town staff until the request is completed. All of the departments are involved in the new software.
"It also gives us managers a better handle on how quick things are getting satisfied," Mattingly said.
Residents can also find out information on local events such as Autumnfest, or locate more information on a project through the "Citizen Knowledge Base" page.
"Residents looking for such things as the next Town Council agenda, how to communicate with me and my staff, how to sign up for the Citizen's Fire Academy, or the status of a specific construction or Capital Improvement Project can go directly to the Citizen Knowledge Base and get what they need," Mueller said.
The enhanced software does not replace the 911 service for emergencies that require immediate police or fire response. However, according to a press release, reporting non-emergency situations such as graffiti, vandalism, trash, animal carcasses and other issues that require attention may be requested through the new software.
"I think this just helps us better communicate what we offer residents," Mattingly said. "There is a lot of participation with the residents and that is what we like."
"We've taken several steps to create a greater flow of communication, and this latest addition to our communication arsenal is something we hope will make it easier for residents to speak with us directly," said Town Manager Matt Mueller in a press release.
The new software allows residents to submit a request for a service or make inquiries to town staff by clicking on "Ask the Town," which was added to the website today. Residents will also be able to learn more about the town, its departments and the government structure by visiting the "Citizen Knowledge Base," which replaces the "My Gov Action Center" page.
"It's our chance to really communicate with the residents ultimately, and for them to communicate with us as well," said Kevin Mattingly, Public Works director.
Before, the "My Gov Action Center" page allowed residents to put in a work order for the Public Works Department or sign up for permits. Residents will now be able to submit a request and track it from the beginning with responses from town staff until the request is completed. All of the departments are involved in the new software.
"It also gives us managers a better handle on how quick things are getting satisfied," Mattingly said.
Residents can also find out information on local events such as Autumnfest, or locate more information on a project through the "Citizen Knowledge Base" page.
"Residents looking for such things as the next Town Council agenda, how to communicate with me and my staff, how to sign up for the Citizen's Fire Academy, or the status of a specific construction or Capital Improvement Project can go directly to the Citizen Knowledge Base and get what they need," Mueller said.
The enhanced software does not replace the 911 service for emergencies that require immediate police or fire response. However, according to a press release, reporting non-emergency situations such as graffiti, vandalism, trash, animal carcasses and other issues that require attention may be requested through the new software.
"I think this just helps us better communicate what we offer residents," Mattingly said. "There is a lot of participation with the residents and that is what we like."
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