Bainbridge website 'up and running'

Friday, May 13, 2016

BAINBRIDGE -- In response to ever-changing times and the ease of online bill paying, the Town of Bainbridge has recently updated its website to better serve its residents and create a more-efficient work flow for its employees.

Clerk-Treasurer Monica Bray, during her first term in the elected position, has already made some big impacts for the town in addition to its technical capabilities.

Her most recent effort, the community's now-functional website (townofbainbridge.com), features in-depth historical facts about the town, contacts for council members and other officials, statistics, up-to-date news, weather and an area for current events.

In addition to recent action in April that allowed citizens to begin sending and making payments directly to the town's office, online bill-pay will soon be another function of the website -- something that's sorely needed, Bray said.

"We've had problems before where people get off work and rush to get here before the office closes," Bray said at a recent meeting. "They wouldn't have to worry about that if they could just do it online."

The move, alongside other recent action to extend office hours from 4 to 4:30 p.m., promises to save money and serve citizens in a more efficient manner.

In February the board moved to adopt the use of Keystone Accounting Software, itself a software solutions company. This alone has been calculated to save the town more than $20,000 over the span of just one year. Traditional postage methods have cost the town thousands of dollars in recent years through the use of expensive paper products.

According to Board President Jerry Lents, office expenses ran as high as $38,000 in 2015 from using an outdated accounting process for not only out-of-house filing but residential billing.

"I think it's a really good idea," Lents said. "Most small towns are using this ... and we (will) actually save 15 percent by bundling the accounting and billing processes.

"This will take care of payroll, W2s ... all of the billing, liens," Lents continued. "It's a great package, it really is. That's why a lot of towns are going to this."

Digitizing utility payments, Bray added, will be greatly beneficial for the community, not just town employees.

For more information about the newly-updated website or online bill-pay, visit townofbainbridge.com or call town office at 522-6238. No cash will be accepted when receiving payments.

In other developments:

* Utility Superintendent Troy Elless reported on the status of the utility board, saying he and others have been replacing out-of-date gas meters around town. Other updates include: The removal of trees by the town's laundro-mat that are beginning to impede on the street's power-lines; mowing and overgrowth around the community are becoming a struggle to maintain; and "no-hunting" signs have been ordered for different areas around town.

* Town Marshal Rodney Fenwick updated the board on the happenings of the police department. In cooperation with the board's wishes, Fenwick and other officers have taken to posting on U.S. 36 in different locations to stem the frequent high rate of speed with which out-of-town drivers enter the town.

Separately, Fenwick and Bray are now in the process of submitting a recently obtained grant for the purchase of state-mandated protective vests for himself and his officers.

* President Lents reported that Clean-Up Day was a major success, himself and other officials overseeing the process as it happened. Volunteers for the event included Elless, Eric Gibson, Mike Aynes, Jim Nelson, Joel and Ellie Thompson and Clerk-Treasurer Bray.

A portion of Clean-Up Day still yet to come includes stump-grinding work, which Lents said will begin soon.

* Monuments in accordance with the state's upcoming bicentennial are now being ordered and will be ready in four to six weeks. Four in all, the locations of the monuments will be at East Point Park, Clarence Steward Park, North Point Park and the town office.

* Several roadways reported by many to be in poor condition were discussed Wednesday. Main, Cherry, Church and Railroad streets will be further investigated before decided what repairs need to be made.

* Several "dilapidated homes" and unmowed yards have been recently reported. Upon thorough discussion, the abandoned properties of 209 E. Pat Rady Way, 414 W. Main St., 104 E. Summit St. and 211 E. Oak St. will be investigated before seeking any legal action.

Another abandoned property, 128 E. Main St., has the Bainbridge Police Department receiving complaints that people enter and exit the building at odd hours of the night on a regular basis. Although the property was improved greatly on Clean Up Away Day through the removal of junk and other debris, broken windows and doors continue to provide entry for after-hour visitors.

Further action is currently being sought.

* Town codes and other uncut lawns were discussed and action was taken to fine residents for unkempt yards. A fine of $250 was approved via 3-0 vote for property owners if the town has to mow a lawn -- abandoned or not.

The next public meeting for Bainbridge will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15 at town hall.

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  • I am glad to hear something is being done about the unkept property in the town !!

    -- Posted by sharonrose942 on Sat, May 14, 2016, at 12:48 PM
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