GovPilot rollout nears in Martins Ferry
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MARTINS FERRY -- The city of Martins Ferry is preparing to modernize the way it delivers municipal services with the implementation of GovPilot, a cloud-based software platform designed to streamline government operations and improve public access to city services.
City Safety Director and Code Administrator Melissa Yeso told city council last week that the project is progressing as planned and is expected to launch by the end of July.
"Everything with GovPilot is underway," Yeso said, noting the platform will enhance the city’s "virtual capabilities" and streamline a variety of municipal services.
The digital platform is expected to replace many paper-based processes with online services, allowing residents, contractors and businesses to complete transactions electronically while giving city departments quicker access to information.
Council approved funding for the project during its May 6 meeting, agreeing to a three-year contract costing $10,000 annually. The agreement was negotiated down from the original proposed annual cost of $12,000. The project is being funded through the city’s General Fund.
When the proposal was introduced in May, Yeso said the software would help improve operational efficiency, reduce administrative costs and provide greater transparency in city government.
One of the primary goals of the system is to modernize code enforcement by allowing the city to issue notices, fines and fees to property owners electronically. Yeso said the digital process is expected to improve communication with property owners while creating a more efficient recordkeeping system.
The platform also will introduce an online permitting system operated through the city’s utility office. Contractors and businesses will be able to apply for permits electronically rather than relying on in-person paperwork, reducing delays and making it easier for companies working in Martins Ferry to begin projects.
In May, Yeso told council the city had recently cited several contractors for working without the required permits, underscoring the need for a more accessible permitting process.
GovPilot also will allow information to be securely stored in a centralized database while remaining the property of the city. If Martins Ferry chooses not to renew the software after the initial three-year agreement, officials said the city will retain ownership of all of its data.
GovPilot is a cloud-based operating system and workflow management platform developed specifically for local governments. The software digitizes and manages more than 125 municipal, county and state government services, allowing agencies to automate processes, process digital forms and provide online access to public services.
In addition to expanding online services for residents and contractors, the city plans to equip its police officers with Panasonic tablets that will allow them to access information and complete work electronically while in the field, eliminating the need to return to the office for many routine code-violation tasks.