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Monte Vista launches TextMyGov service to send targeted notices and receive citizen reports
Summary
City clerk described a new TextMyGov texting service that will let staff send targeted notifications (for example, localized water‑service alerts) and accept 24/7 citizen reports; staff said non‑texting residents will still receive door hangers or letters.
Monte Vista — City staff presented a rollout plan for TextMyGov, a texting service the clerk said will allow the city to send targeted notifications and receive citizen reports by text.
City Clerk Yanita (first name used in the meeting) demonstrated the system and said the list of phone numbers already exists in the city’s database and that the city will send a welcome/opt‑out message to those numbers. She explained that the system allows staff to select a geographic block—for example, the 100 block of Adams Street—and send a notification only to customers in that area about a scheduled water shutoff.
The clerk said the service integrates with the city’s iWORKS work‑order system: when a resident texts a pothole report, the text will populate iWORKS and generate a work order for Public Works. She said staff who will monitor TextMyGov include herself and three staff members in operations. For residents who do not use text messaging or do not have cell phones, the clerk said the city will keep a spreadsheet and continue to deliver door hangers or letters.
Nut graf: The city intends TextMyGov to reduce door‑hanger distribution and speed localized notifications and work‑order creation. Staff stressed the system’s opt‑in message and that some residents will continue to receive paper notifications.
Next steps: The clerk said the city will begin a scheduled notification to the existing database the following Monday to invite residents to opt in or opt out. Staff noted hours for message delivery and said the system can be scheduled to avoid late‑night notifications.
