Cape moves toward more online services for busy residents

The city of Cape Girardeau is looking to expand its e-commerce services to allow more online payment options for customers.

It has rolled out new software for utility billing, business licenses, liquor licenses and development services and is searching for a single provider for each department.

While the city already provides e-commerce services for utility payments, it wants to continue to expand the options across the board, said Trisha Holloway, the city's customer service manager.

"We have a lot of people that are busy and don't want to have to come in. So if they can do it online and pay online and renew online, that's our whole goal," Holloway said.

The idea of expanding and enhancing customer service was discussed at the Cape Girardeau City Council's annual retreat in April. The objective for the city moving into the 2014-2015 year was to streamline resident and business interaction. To improve customer service, the city wants to provide more information that's easier to access.

At the retreat, the presentation on customer service revealed the plan to move all possible services and information online by 2020.

"Everything's getting electronic," she said. "A lot of people are busy, so this way everybody can do it at their own convenience and in the comfort of their own home."

Interested consultants can submit their proposals -- which must include a fully developed concept, design and cost estimates -- until 5 p.m. June 18. Once the city reviews the proposals, it will select a provider and test its compatibility with the new software.

Holloway said she does not anticipate the switch to a new provider will have much effect on the way customers can pay bills online. Utility bills can be paid by accessing the city's website and logging on to a portal.

Once a new provider has been selected and the new payment options are available for development services, Holloway said the department likely will make an effort to tell interested parties about the change and encourage them to take advantage of it.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.