(Seguin) — There’s a new way for you to easily access information or to report problems in the city of Seguin. The city this week is launching its TextMyGov text messaging service.
Seguin Public Information Officer Jennifer Sourdellia says that this is a tool that is easily accessible to anyone who has the ability to send a text message. Sourdellia says texting is a major way that people communicate today, and TextMyGov allows the city to expand its ability to reach those people.
“At least 97 percent of smart phone owners text regularly according to Pew Research (Center). According to a Nielson Study, 56 percent of people surveyed would rather text message a business rather than call customer service. Using TextMyGov is a quick, easy and in many cases eliminates the need to call the city and there’s no app to download,” said Sourdellia.
Sourdellia says access to the service is as easy as texting a dedicated phone number, and then responding to the questions that are sent back to you. She says it can answer all sorts of questions about the city of Seguin.
“So, here’s how it works. Simply text ‘hi’ to 830-800-8002. You will then receive an instant response for various prompts and steps that guide you in locating the information that you are looking for. TextMyGov scans the city’s website for the key words and instantly replies back with an answer including links for detailed information. For unrecognized words that someone might text in, citizens will be provided an email address and phone number to contact our citizen relations coordinator,” said Sourdellia.
It’s not just a resource for having your questions answered. Sourdellia says the service will also allow you to report problems to the city.
“Citizens can text the word ‘report’ to report issues such as pot holes, a missed garbage collection, a stray animal or weedy lots, etc. They can even upload and text a photo along with the description. City staff will be notified by an email generated by TextMyGov and issues reported will be entered into a workplace system, the majority of time, by our citizens relations coordinator. In some cases for example, animal services will be notified by an email about an animal issue or the administrative technician and public works will be notified about your email about reports of pot holes or other public works related issues. The administrative technician will then dispatch crews to resolve the issues reported. The same is similar for power outages or water utility issues. A utilities dispatcher will be notified,” said Sourdellia.
Again, it is easy to get started. Just send a text to 830-800-8002 and follow the prompts. Sourdellia says as part of this launch, the city will also be offering another new service that will allow people to sign up to receive updates from the city that are sent via text message. This is an opt-in service, which is similar to a program also used by the Seguin ISD to keep the community informed about important topics and events.
