Genoa redesigns website, boosts access to information

GENOA – With the goal of making Genoa community information more accessible to the public, the village revamped its website this year. Now, locals and out-of-towners can find up-to-date and contact information more easily. The website can be found at www.genoaohio.org.

Village administrator Kevin Gladden said officials considered many social media options, including Facebook and Twitter, when searching for a way to better connect with the public. Not everyone in the village has Facebook and LinkedIn accounts, so the website potentially reaches more people. Plus, it was a way to save time for the village’s busy staff.

“There was the ease of entering things,” Gladden said about the choice.

One of the main goals of the website was providing contact information for village employees and departments. The home page of the website has links to key employees such as the mayor and councilmen. Following those links will lead to pages that include phone and fax numbers, email addresses and personnel profiles, which give brief personal and professional background information.

“I think having council and the mayor available is important,” Gladden said. “I’ve made quite a few contacts through that process.”

The website also has posts about current information, including council meeting reports, approved ordinances and upcoming events.

Village secretary Mary Ann Bell posts the event information on the site. Information on upcoming events can be sent to her at maryann@genoaohio.org or by calling 419-855-2201.

“It’s a way for people from even out of town to get on and get the information,” Bell said. “I have people from out of town call all the time and say they got on the website.”

The Genoa website also includes information on the police, fire and EMS departments, village history, village parks, public works, zoning, the tree commission and the public records policy. Tax forms can be found online, and the “Our Community” link includes information about various community organizations and events, such as the senior center and the annual Street Fair.

Bell said the village administration recognizes that not everyone has computer access, so phone calls are always welcome.

“I realize we have quit a few elderly residents that choose not to use the internet,” she said. “They are welcome to call. Anytime anyone calls, we’ll help them to the best of our ability.”