| The City of Port Orchard has published a Request For Proposals (RFP) to upgrade its Web site in order to provide increased services to its citizens. Earlier this year, the City Development and Public Works Departments started posting a building and land use permit status report online, in what is one of many new additions planned, according to Development Director James Weaver.
“We’re working diligently to expand our services every day,” Weaver said. “It is a bit of a catchup.”
Weaver said the online permitting reports are a “baby step.” He said the city has had a very tight budget for technology, but plans are in the works to revamp the system. Long-term ideas discussed include electronic permit filing and posting staff reports online. Already efforts are going in that direction, with the creation of portorchardplan.com, a site dedicated to the city’s Comprehensive Plan update process. The site includes documents, maps, and an online survey, among other things.
“For public participation, (the Internet) seems to be the best method for getting the most information out,” Weaver said. “It lets us maximize our small staff, and allows a very small staff to do a big amount of work.”
Also to be added are crime reporting tools and links to a list of sexual offenders.
The city is current accepting proposals for its Web site redesign “to improve site usability and appeal.” Among general enhancements sought include compatibility with future database and e-commerce applications. The RFP closing date is May 9. Visit www.cityofportorchard.us to secure a copy of the RFP.
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