DALTON, Mass. — The Fire District has launched its new website last week. 

 

Fire Chief Christian Tobin has described the previous site as "lightyears" behind where it needed to be and that the district needed "an interactive website that's exciting, that draws people into the Fire District."

 

The district has been working to update its website since April to contribute toward efforts to improve communication with the community. Tobin has also instituted community meetings to gain feedback and brainstorm solutions to the district's challenges.

 

The new website improves the accessibility to forms, permits, and public records, including meeting agendas, minutes, warrants, election results and bylaws, and allows for easier updating of news and information. 

 

The home page displays clickable photos that direct the user to the Fire District or Water Department subpages. Slightly farther down, users can find important alerts, fire safety information, the district's history, upcoming events, and contact information. 

 

The Fire District or Water Department pages have information unique to each department. The Fire Department page displays the department's contact information, history, current demographics, and a list of apparatus types. 

 

The Water Department page displays the department's contact information and mission, responsibilities, and details surrounding the annual spring flushing.

 

The menu icon in the top righthand corner displays an organized list and links to all of the subpages on the website. 

 

Website design and digital marketing agency Gemini Creative was hired to update the website to make it Americans with Disabilities Act compliant and user-friendly. 

  

Gemini Creative is located in Stockbridge and, according to its website, is currently working with the Dalton Recreation Association, Berkshire Housing, and Dovecote Homes. 

 

The initial cost of the website's design is approximately $4,800. This may change depending on what the district wants to include. According to a document from the agency, there is a $200 an hour fee for work outside the original scope. 

 

The Fire and Water Departments will be splitting the startup costs and have enough funds to cover it in this year's budgets. 

 

According to the agency's document, the yearly retainer for hosting, backup, and maintenance is projected at $600 a year. 

 

Gemini Creative will host the district's new website on its server and will be responsible for the website being available online. 

 

If anything goes wrong with the website, district employees can reach out to the agency to solve the issue. New versions of WordPress and any plugins will be installed when they become available. 

 

The website and database will be backed up every evening.