Town of Ferdinand unveils new accountability tool

The Town of Ferdinand has launched a new accountability tool via its website, www.ferdinandindiana.org, in an effort to keep residents more informed and up-to-date when they contact Town Hall with suggestions, comments, questions, or potential issues in Town.

The tool, referred to as the Citizen’s Action Center, can be used to submit information online alerting individual department heads about potential problems or issues. Once submitted, the citizens will receive a tracking number which can be used to see what has been done, is being done, or will be done to resolve the issue.

The Citizen’s Action Center can be found on the Town’s homepage, http://www.ferdinandindiana.org, on the left side of the page in a yellow box containing the words “Action Center”. It is one of four items highlighted in a yellow box with a star. It can be directly accessed here: http://www.ferdinandindiana.org/egov/apps/action/center.egov.

Of course, residents that don’t have access or aren’t comfortable using the internet can still contact Town Hall with their suggestion or concern. Town Hall personnel will then log the issue into the Action Center on their behalf. Residents can then follow up with Town Hall to find out the progress of the issue. Town Hall hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the phone number is 367-2280.

“Employee accountability is a term that is floated around often, especially recently,” said Town Council president, Ken Sicard. “This is a true, measurable form for us to be accountable to our residents all while utilizing the technology that our website’s content management system affords us.”

“Ferdinand’s residents and employees alike should find this service of tremendous benefit.”

The Citizen’s Action Center is a component provided by the Town’s website management company, eGov Strategies. There is no additional cost to the Town or its residents by launching this system. Reports can be generated for the Town Council at any time (and from any computer with an internet connection) that measure the amount of time it takes department heads to respond and resolve issues.

“This is a unique tool to not only Ferdinand, but the County and region, as well. I look for it to not only show the professionalism with which our department heads and employees operate and resolve problems, but also as a means of increasing employee morale,” said Town Manager Marc Steczyk. “This gives our employees a way of taking pride in getting a job done not only correctly but also in a timely manner.”

The Citizen’s Action Center can be updated as different needs or issues might arise. Items that residents can currently report on now include but are not limited to: missing street signs, burned out street or walking trail lights, potholes, sewer and stormwater issues, limbs in electric lines, grass ordinance violations, sink holes, and manhole lid problems.

For more information about the Town of Ferdinand, visit www.ferdinandindiana.org.