Cellphones with the “smarts” of cutting edge social media technology are the newest tools to bring residents and public servants together.
See a pothole? Want an illegal dumping site cleaned up? Just want to reserve a pavilion at a county park?
The county has an app for all that, and more.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
On June 9, Pasco County officially launched MyPasco, a mobile app that’s available free for users of Android, Apple, Blackberry and Windows products.
One feature allows county officials to do surveys to find out residents’ views on specific issues.
“It’s a great way for the community and government to find out what’s on the minds of our citizens,” said Pasco County spokesman Doug Tobin. “This really is a way of doing more with less.”
Pasco County commissioners got a hands-on demonstration at their regular meeting on June 9 in Dade City. Todd Bayley, the county’s chief information officer, showed off the app’s features during the demonstration.
Once the program is downloaded, residents can link to the county’s website, as well as to a menu of interactive links to report problems, ask questions, or find out what’s going on around the county.
For example, alerting the county to a pothole is a quick and easy task, county officials said. The mobile app relies on GPS to pinpoint the location and then allows the phone’s user to upload a photo along with contact information.
Reports also can be made to departments such as code enforcement and animal services.
Want to adopt a pet? You can start the process via your phone.
You can send general inquiries, too.
“Residents can also see how many people are making requests,” Bayley said.
As the mobile app evolves, new functions will be added, including the ability to pay utility bills by phone.
Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano likes the new app.
“What a phenomenal program to bring forward…probably saving a few phone calls to us about fixing a pothole.
“So fantastic,” he said.
Published June 17, 2015
