Even with a population of 720, the Turbeville mayor and town council recognized the need to open as many lines of communication with residents as possible. With 51 percent of the population being of low- to moderate-income, town leadership knew they had to communicate in a way that would not cost the citizens.
Officials first decided to create a simple newsletter and include it in the monthly water/sewer bills. The mayor began writing and editing the newsletter, which initially included a synopsis of the council meeting. The newsletter has expanded to showcase new businesses in town and upcoming events.
The newsletter then was e-mailed to people who requested it. Interest in the electronic version of the newsletter has grown to 72 subscribers from the initial five.
Town officials also decided to create a Web site showcasing Turbeville. The site includes a calendar of events, a recreation page highlighting seasonal sports, a brief history of the town, contact information and a newcomers’ page. In its early stages, the site averaged about 50 hits. Today it averages 780 hits a month.
Perhaps most importantly, officials needed a way to alert residents of emergencies. This was especially significant given the town’s proximity to the Turbeville Correctional Institute. Before the facility was built, residents had expressed fears about the possibility of an incident at the prison or an inmate escaping.
Councilmembers responded to these concerns by adding a "Phone Tree" operating system to the town’s computer system. The phone system allows the town to place automated calls to residents, relaying important information. Turbeville officials also use it to remind residents of events, such as elections or special programs. Turbeville saw an increase from 30 to 67 percent in voter turn-out after sending a reminder phone call to its residents prior to its last election.
Officials expanded the phone system to better care for their growing elderly population. The system calls senior citizens with a short programmed message. If the senior does not answer the call, the system alerts officials who check on that person.
The cost of improving communications with residents has been minimal – the initial purchase of the Phone Tree system, the Web site’s domain name and monthly maintenance for the Web site, and printing costs for the newsletter. Town officials said the payoff has been great as Turbeville citizens are being kept informed and feeling an increased sense of ownership in their town.
Contact Pat Goodwin at 843.659.2781 or pgoodwin2@ftc-i.net