The City of Garretson has a new way for residents to communicate with the City, and for the City to communicate with residents. Utilizing CARES Act funds, the city signed up with TextMyGov, a mobile phone service that allows messages to be passed over SMS.
With this service, the City will be able to "answer questions, send links to their website, and provide details on garbage pickup, utility payment, city news, events, office hours, department locations, and more," according to the TextMyGov website. It also states that "Citizens can easily report code violation, public works issues like potholes, sign down, drainage problems, tree trimming, sewer smell, and more. Agencies can engage citizens, start a workflow, and ask specific guided question regarding location, address, street name and more."
Other benefits include receiving texts about city council meetings and snow alerts.
However, at this time, services may be different than what is offered on the website due to the options the City chooses to use.
TextMyGov website states it uses "Smart texting technology," which saves time in finding answers, because it uses keywords to provide assistance.
In order to sign up for alerts, text GARRETSON to 91896. Reply YES to the confirmation message that is sent. Up to four messages per month could be sent, and message and data rates may apply.
In order to report issues or find answers, text HI to (605) 349-2100. Once the message is sent, an automatic reply will be received, which states, "Hi, this is the City of Garretson. To find contact information, text CONTACT. To report an issue, text REPORT. For a code problem, text CODE. If this is an emergency, dial 911."
Upon sending CONTACT, the service will respond with the address to City Hall and its phone number, as well as the phone number for the Utilities Superintendent.
Upon sending the word REPORT, it will respond with the following options: POTHOLE, STREET LIGHT, or SIGN. After that, a series of questions will be asked, such as the nearest address to the problem.
Upon sending the word CODE, the following options are TRASH, WEEDS, or TALL GRASS. It will again go through the same series of questions.
This service will provide several benefits to both residents and City employees with an option the majority of the populace now has- the cellphone in our pockets.
