Page 33 - Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

individual departments and programs, and adding a secure site for employees. A section was also added for City
Council member access only; the Councilmembers have access to documents and reports for each City Council
meeting. In 2006-07, the Information Technology Director began providing workshops for City employees to assist
them in updating and maintaining the website. Workshops were also provided on software utilization. The Information
Technology Director expanded these services in 2007-08 with plans to continue these seminars. In 2008-09, the City
added a new feature to the City’s website – a reservation system to request and to reserve the use of the City’s
recreation facilities and services. In 2010 building permits were available on-line to facilitate the development process.

During this time, the City’s website was enhanced to include social networking features such as Facebook and Twitter.
Updates of City activities, notices, and other public information are disseminated and shared through these types of
social media. In 2013 the City’s website was revamped, improved, and updated. The website was updated and
streamlined again in 2016 and again in 2018.

Annual Report

In January 2007, the City of Benbrook published its first annual report. In years past, the Mayor’s State of the City
address was published in local newspapers at the beginning of the new year. Benbrook’s annual report was mailed to
all residences in Benbrook, posted on the City’s website, and copies were available at City Hall and other municipal
facilities. The report summarized Benbrook’s achievements in 2006. Versions of the annual report were published and
distributed every twelve months since 2007. Staff plans to publish and distribute the 2018 Annual Report by the end
of January 2019.

Internal Communications

In 2008-09 City employees were provided with enhanced communication capabilities while at the work place. “City
Source” software was installed on all computers assigned to employees. This software allowed employees to post
and to access a variety of information including: City Council and Boards and Commissions agendas and packets;
budget worksheets and documents; employee news, events, birthdays, and announcements; health and wellness tips
and information; shared documents; human resources policies, procedures, updates, and forms; photographs; training
and meeting videos; and calendars of events and meetings. Departments also created sub-sections to disseminate
specialized information, update employees, and notify employee groups of opportunities and events. “City Source”
was revamped in 2014-15 and again in 2018.

CITY OF BENBROOK 2018-19 ANNUAL BUDGET
32