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Council discusses CivicPlus chatbot to improve website search (under $5,000)
Summary
Staff told council CivicPlus recommends a chatbot using large language models to improve online search; cost was presented as just under $5,000 annually and council weighed usability benefits against disclosure and accuracy risks.
Staff said CivicPlus, the city's website provider, recommended a chatbot to improve search functionality by using large language models that better understand user questions. "Their recommended solution to improve search functionality is actually the chatbot, because it uses, large language models," Vansler said.
Staff estimated the CivicPlus chatbot would cost just under $5,000 per year. Councilors welcomed potential usability gains for residents who need quick answers about impact fees or permit steps, but several members expressed concern about accuracy and the need to disclose to users when they are interacting with an AI chatbot as required by state law.
Council asked staff to include the chatbot as an option to study and to confirm whether CivicPlus would provide indemnity or logging details as part of any contract.
