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Laurel officials weigh phased website overhaul, automation of business licenses
Summary
At a May 11 workshop, Delmarva Digital proposed a phased website redesign for Laurel, recommended selective form automation (not a move to a larger platform), and estimated a $15,000–$20,000 cost; the Budget Committee will prioritize phases to fit the town’s budget.
Tim Smith, a representative of Delmarva Digital, told the Town of Laurel Mayor and Council at a May 11 workshop that his firm has "29 years within the town" and recommends a phased approach to modernizing the town website and automating select forms.
Smith said Delmarva has built municipal websites for roughly 25 years and emphasized local investment through internships and employment. "I don’t believe it would be in the town’s best interest to transition into a larger platform," he said, recommending instead that the town begin by automating a handful of forms, such as business license applications, and add features gradually.
Town Manager Jamie Smith asked for cost guidance. Tim Smith offered a "ballpark figure of $15,000 to $20,000" to redo the website with new additions. The presenter added that Delmarva could work with town staff to review permit workflows and create applicant-status pages so applicants can see where they are in the approval process.
Town Manager Smith noted the town’s "clean hands ordinance," which requires applicants to have no outstanding dues before obtaining a permit or license, and recommended showing permit requirements on applications prior to submittal. The manager also said Laurel uses Edmunds for billing and that integrating online bill access would require Edmunds to set up the interface at an estimated $4,500 plus a $500 annual fee.
Councilman George Lodato asked whether a monthly calendar could be placed on the homepage. Tim Smith said a graphical calendar could replace the water-tower photo area and Town Manager Smith said administrators would post community events under a policy to be developed. Lodato said the Communication Committee is reviewing resource links and suggested partner organizations could display their own event calendars on linked pages.
No formal action or vote was taken. Town Manager Smith asked the Budget Committee to prioritize recommended phases so Mayor and Council can align updates with the town’s budgetary constraints. The workshop adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
