Havelock water and sewer customers will be the first to be able to take advantage of the new site, which will enable them to receive and pay their bills from their home computers. Information technology director Bob Maxbauer says the new interactive web-site is up and running, but customers won’t be able to take full advantage of it until they get their access numbers the old fashioned way.
“We’re mailing information and PIN numbers to our customers,” said Maxbauer.
“We expect to have them all out in time to satisfy the April billings.”
The system, made possible with a $20,000 grant from the Rural Internet Access Authority ties the city database with an Internet portal that will give customers a “real-time” look at their water and sewer transaction history, as far back as 24 months, and make payments using major credit cards and bank checking accounts.
Maxbauer says the information available to customers will include numbers and graphics.
“They will be able to see their water consumption in gallons,” he said. “And in some cases that could help surface any inconsistencies such as an undetected slow leak.”
Customers will be able to choose whether they want their bills mailed to them the old fashioned way or if they want to participate in the city’s “Save-A-Tree” program, by having their bills e-mailed.
The option to go on-line for services will eventually add other city departments, said Maxbauer.
“Some of the features soon to be added include the ability to apply for and make payments on animal licenses, business licenses, and recreation programs.”
The system will also make way for on-line reservations and payments for use of the Havelock Tourist and Event Center.
Also planned is an update on lost pets, complete with photos of animals currently in the city animal shelter.
Want to check it out?
The city homepage at www.HavelockNC.US leads to the e-Government portal. Remember, the access PIN numbers will be mailed to customers.
Quelle: Havelock News, 17.03.2004
