Sherburne County residents and business people will find it much easier to get county information after the county launched its new website last week.

 

The new format replaces the former website, which as about 15 years old.

 

“In the technology world, thats like two centuries,” Administrator Steve Taylor told members of the county board during a workshop in late May.

 

Last July, the county put out request for proposals to re-design the website. Taylor said there were 31 proposals before the county narrowed it down and decided on a vendor.

 

There was a lot of research leading up to the re-design. Taylor said there was a survey where staff gave its input.

 

“We asked them where they think there was a need and what were some of the functionality issues,” he said.

 

Another major aspect of the website was viewer preference. Taylor said they went through the existing site to see where most users went. Those “hot spots” were the focus of the new design.

 

“We determined where people were going and featured them,” he said.

 

Some of the major areas were agendas and minutes, doing business, economic development and property information. The new website also includes ordinances, contact information, budget information, the annual report and information about the cities and townships.

 

“We had some of this on our old website, but this is much more comprehensive,” said Taylor. “The focus in on resident self service and on a website that is more user friendly.”

 

The new website has more information and more forms, so people don’t have to call or make a trip to the Government Center to conduct business.

 

“This is an area we’re going to be expanding greatly,” said Taylor. And there is also a contact area called “Notify me.”

 

“You can sign up for specific events that are happening in the county and you’ll get emails,” said Taylor.

 

The launching of the new website comes in conjuction with the opening of the new Judicial Center building, which will open for business Monday.