Ferndale Launches New City Website

The city of Ferndale launched a new official website Tuesday under the domain www.ferndalemi.gov as the city moves to modernize its communications.

The site includes online water bill payments, online water service account registration, online code enforcement requests, a consolidated permit center and a new look. 

“The successful launch of the new website is a symbol of our continual commitment to reinventing how our city communicates and does business,” Mayor Dave Coulter said.

Artemis Technologies of Lansing was awarded a contract in 2012 to assist with construction of the website and will complete the project $4,000 under budget for $23,500, paid from the city's general fund, according to Ferndale Chief Innovation Officer Joseph Gacioch. 

"Our old domain registry at www.ferndale-mi.com will expire in January, 2014, and will not be renewed," he added. "By (Wednesday), any visitors who go to ferndale-mi.com will see a temporary redirect page that will inform them that they will be transferred to the new site at ferndalemi.gov."

The new site will be optimized for mobile devices this fall.

“The acceleration of today’s digital age requires us to design our digital platform for mobility," Gacioch said. "People are using laptops, tablets and smart phones more frequently to manage accounts online, and as a primary means of communication and exploration. Citizens of 2020 will challenge the conventional service delivery model that requires them to visit City Hall in favor of a model that brings service options to them.”