Austell Revitalizes Its Web Presence with New Website

First it was the replacement of the city's broken clock at City Hall with a new state-of-the-art LED digital display sign, which tells the correct time and anounces events and information to residents.

Now, the City of Austell is stepping up its web presence with a newly designed website. The site redesign cost $4,200, with each city department contributing $210. It's the first redesign of the site since 2008. The site was first created in 1999.

As more and more people begin to use the Internet as their primary way to receive information, having an accurate and updated website can help individuals looking for a new home in a town that meets their needs and wants or businesses looking for a new location to open another site, center, restaurant or shop.

New features of the website include a downloadable version of the city's complaint forms, history and directory of the Threadmill Complex, copy of the city council agendas. However, the upcoming meeting agenda for Sept. 10 is not yet available on the site, Until the launch of this site, Austell was the only Cobb city that did not have agendas available online. Residents had to visit the City Clerk's office on weekdays before 5 p.m. to obtain a copy.

One of the most innovative aspects of the site is the Sweetwater Creek live webcam. In September 2009, a massive flood destoyed parts of Austell, especially those adjacent to the creek.

Residents can also use the flood mapping tool available on the website to learn more about their home's location in the identified floodplain area.

Later this month, Austell residents will be able to pay utility, stormwater, property tax and stormwater utility bills online. Additonally, the site will also implement more video options in the future.

Anyone with comments or suggestions about the site can direct them to webmaster@austellga.gov.

What do you think of the new site? Tell us in the comments below.