Sharpsburg officials have launched a new website designed to increase transparency and make borough business easier.
The revamped sharpsburgborough.com went live on Aug. 23.
Borough officials worked with the municipal website company GovUnity over the summer to recreate Sharpsburg’s online presence.
The contract was for about $6,000 payable over three years.
“We wanted to add some functionality to the borough’s website and to make it easier for residents, businesses and visitors to find information,” borough Manager Christine DeRunk said. “We are hoping that residents find that there is more information available online to help them resolve their issues or answer questions.”
What’s new
The website has more user-friendly links than before for all departments, including public works, police, facilities, parks and recreation.
A section for police social worker Mary Bauer outlines services offered and a resource guide.
A forms and permits tab is on the front page.
People can apply online for things such as Americans with Disabilities Act parking space renewals, usage permits for businesses and more. However, applications requiring additional documentation or fees, such as building and zoning permits, street openings and solicitations, still have to be filed at the borough office.
Meeting agendas and minutes are now available via the “council meetings” link under the Government tab on the main page. Budgets and monthly financial reports will be made available through the finances tab.
DeRunk said the site is still a work-in-progress with more updates to come.
“We will be updating the website regularly and have made available a way for people to subscribe to our news feed to get updates when we post a new announcement on the home page.”
Councilwoman Kayla Portis said a new website was much needed, and she was impressed with the updates.
“Finally, there’s one place were community members can get all the information,” Portis said. “It is finally user friendly. It’s a very exciting time for us, and it will continue to get better.”
