Updates likely to county website
A badly outdated website has Putnam County officials looking for a solution without overspending in the county's already tight budget.
Jon Tesmer presented the Putnam County Commissioners and Putnam County Council with his proposal for the website at this week's meetings. His proposal featured an up-to-date design for the site as well as a search function.
The site would also provide some background on the county and its government structure, as well as pages for each of the county departments. Tesmer said he would go to each department individually for information and photographs.
Tesmer would also prepare a function so commissioner and council meeting minutes could be updated immediately following meetings. The commissioners and council pages would feature archived minutes going back several years.
He said his charge for developing the site would be $1,200 and updates would either cost $25 per hour or come at an annual fee. There would also be a $240 annual fee for web hosting.
"The only part I really want to be paid for is the development because I already have a lot of hours in this," Tesmer said.
Additionally, during the school year, updates could come at the lower rate of $15 an hour through the Area 30 web design class, which Tesmer instructs.
Councilor Jay Fogle expressed security concerns about the students updating the website. Several council members said they would like the county to have a contract that spells out more of Tesmer's duties
The council approved a resolution agreeing to Tesmer doing the website in principle, but the commissioners will have final say on any agreement.
Auditor Stephanie Campbell said she felt all departments should be in line with updating the site.
"There's no reason why any office wouldn't want to be involved with this. It's only going to make the county look better," Campbell said.
Tesmer will be working on a contract with county attorney Scott Hoff, which should come before the commissioners for approval next month.