Plympton Considers Permitting Software Upgrade, Kicks Off Budget Process
Town officials explore grant-funded technology improvements to streamline operations and enhance public access to information
PLYMPTON - December 16 - Plympton's Board of Selectmen is exploring the implementation of new permitting software to improve communication between town departments and increase efficiency. The potential upgrade, which could be funded through a Community Compact Program grant, was a key topic of discussion at the board's December 16, 2024 meeting.
Town Administrator Liz Dennehy informed the board about the grant opportunity, which is available this winter through the Division of Local Services and Department of Revenue. After consulting with department heads and various boards and committees, she reported overwhelming support for the permitting software option.
"This would enable all of the relevant permitting authorities to see what's been filed, where they're at in the process, and would really help streamline communications," Dennehy explained.
The software could address challenges faced by the small town, which lacks a dedicated town planner. Dennehy noted that large plan sets filed with different boards and committees sometimes contain inconsistencies, citing solar projects as an example.
Board members expressed interest in the proposal but raised concerns about ongoing maintenance and oversight. One member suggested exploring regional opportunities to address the town's IT management needs.
"This might be an opportunity, too, to reach out to some of your town administrators and talk about is there a regional opportunity here," Chair John Traynor proposed.
Dennehy agreed to investigate further and report back to the board.
The meeting also marked the official start of Plympton's budget process for the upcoming fiscal year. Dennehy confirmed that budget information has been distributed to all town departments, boards, and committees, with some responses already received.
In other business, the board addressed several appointments and reappointments to town positions. These included William Kelly as Building Inspector, Christina Stewart as Assistant Treasurer-Collector, and three appointments to the Plympton Historic District Commission.
The board also discussed potential upgrades to the town's website. While not directly related to the permitting software, the conversation highlighted the need for improved digital infrastructure.
Brian Vasa, the Conservation Agent, reported that some upgrades would be implemented at no additional cost due to recent changes in Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. However, board members expressed interest in a more comprehensive overhaul.
The Town Administrator emphasized the importance of a user-friendly mobile interface, noting, "I think our biggest issue is that a lot of people access the website from their phone, like from a mobile device. If you go to our homepage from a computer, it looks fine. It's easy to navigate. You can figure it out."
The board also addressed the challenge of keeping information current on the website, given the town's reliance on volunteer-based boards and committees.
"Because we have so many volunteer-based boards and committees, some of the sections of the website are grossly out of date," Dennehy explained.
As the town enters its budget planning phase, board members suggested considering funding for software upgrades and additional staff hours dedicated to website maintenance.
"We're coming up on the budget process now. It might be a time to look at, coming up to town meeting, funding some software upgrades and equally... funding additional hours for someone to work on this," Mark Russo suggested.