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Caswell County reviews $3,500–$4,500 website redesign proposal and optional retainer
Summary
Interim county manager presented a full redesign proposal from Small Town Soul covering all departments, ADA compliance and SEO; one‑time design cost was quoted at $3,500–$4,500 and staff recommended a $250/month retainer (three hours) to maintain updates; board asked staff to return with details.
Caswell County officials discussed a proposal April 20 to fully redesign the county website and centralize department content, improve navigation and ADA compliance, and reduce reliance on outside vendors for small updates.
Melissa Williamson, the interim county manager, said the vendor Small Town Soul proposed a full redesign for the entire county website with a one‑time cost between $3,500 and $4,500 and an optional retainer. ‘‘The cost breakdown that was provided is between $3500 and $4500,’’ Williamson said, and she described a recommended retainer option of $250 per month that would provide three hours of vendor support per month (hours would roll over if unused and require a three‑month minimum).
Williamson said the redesign would make the site mobile‑friendly, meet ADA requirements, improve searchability and allow county staff to update content directly. She told commissioners the deputy finance director confirmed funds are available in the FY26 economic development budget to cover the design cost.
County Attorney Johnston reviewed the proposed contract and described its terms as ‘‘standard boilerplate language’’ that did not appear to be unduly burdensome to the county. Commissioners asked staff to check whether the county already pays a maintenance or hosting fee and to return with a clearer cost comparison between hourly work and a retainer.
Why it matters: A modern, accessible county website affects how residents find forms, meeting materials and emergency information. Commissioners emphasized both the public‑facing benefits and the internal efficiency gains from a site that staff can maintain.
What’s next: Staff will verify existing hosting and maintenance arrangements, clarify whether prior vendor hours remain available, and return with a recommendation and contract details at a future meeting.
