County approves contract to design, build new website

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to approve a $12,400 contract with local web company Flathead Media to design and implement a new website for Lincoln County. A second contract, also with Flathead Media, will provide the county with hosting and ongoing maintenance and support of the site for an additional $200 per month.

The goal of the new website, according to the contract is to “update the existing Lincoln County website with a modern design while incorporating a database driven content management system that will allow the county departments to easily update much of their own content.”

Lincoln County information technology technician Ernie Anderson said the new site will provide several benefits. The new website will be compatible with handheld devices, such as tablets and smart phones. Each department will also have easier access to update the county web page to keep the public better informed of our day to day activities, events and emergencies.

During the commissioners’ discussion of the new system, Commissioner Mark Peck also said the new website would integrate with the new records management system being installed by the Clerk and Recorders Office. The integration would allow members of the public more expedient access to public documents and records online.

The first phase of the project, scheduled for January and February 2016, is the development of the site content, working with each department to determine their specific needs.

The design and construction phase is scheduled for February through April 2016, with the site going into the test phase in April. The finalized site is projected to launch around May 2016.

The modernization was also an important issue for the commissioners.

“This is the portal to Lincoln County,” Peck said.

Commissioner Mike Cole agreed.

“This is what people see when they hit Lincoln County, Montana.”

The commissioners approved the contract unanimously.