by Bradley Parsons
Staff Writer
The mayor’s director of written communications says the City’s website is “the first line of encounter” for many citizens and taxpayers. She’s now overseeing work to ensure online visitors get a good first impression.
Susan Pelter said the City isn’t looking to overhaul the site’s award-winning design. Instead, she wants a website that’s as consistent, accurate and interactive as possible.
“The mayor is committed to using technology to make our government efficient and as responsive to our customers as we can be,” said Pelter. “Customer service is a priority; this is a step in that direction.”
Work has only begun on the site’s 2,500 pages, and Pelter said the project’s duration is undetermined. She said the immediate work will focus on ensuring consistency. She said she doesn’t want the Public Works page telling users one thing and the Better Jacksonville page another.
The transition from the John Delaney administration to Mayor John Peyton has resulted in dozens of personnel switches and structural changes to some of the City’s departments. Pelter said that information will be updated over the coming months.
“A lot of this is making sure i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. We’re just making sure the information we put out there is up-to-date and consistent,” said Pelter.
Additionally, Pelter said the City would seek to install a back-up server.
Pelter said she would like the site to be more interactive. The City’s Building Inspection Division issues almost half of its permits on line, and Pelter said other departments could use the web to similarly aide their customers.
She said she would specifically look into allowing parking tickets to be paid online.
Pelter has also requested a cost-benefit analysis of putting streaming video on the site. She said the video could some day allow residents to watch public meetings or receive other public information.