Citizens getting help through city request line
City responds to more than 130 calls in 2006
Branson residents are finding the Citizens’ Service Request Line useful in getting action on concerns and questions they have about the city and its operations.
According to Branson Public Information Director Jerry Adams, the number of calls to the 24-hour request line in 2006 totaled 133, up from the 109 calls in 2005.
“Through this request line, we are able to provide information and solutions to problems in a timely manner to citizens on a variety of subjects regarding the city, its departments and policies,†Adams said.
The city instituted the line in 1998 to be more responsive to residents’ concerns. The request line makes it convenient for citizens to make one call to get problems resolved rather than being phone transferred to several departments. Adams said most of the calls concern repairs or improvements that need to be made on city property and violations of the city’s property maintenance codes.
According to Adams, the goal of his department is to respond to all requests within five working days. That doesn’t mean the problem can always be corrected in five days. Sometimes repairs take longer, but the city keeps the caller informed of the progress, and when completed, the city asks the citizen if the resolution meets with his or her satisfaction.
Not only are residents encouraged to use the request line, but the city also asks its employees to phone in concerns and needed improvements that they see while traveling around the city. “Call It In†stickers with the request line phone number have been placed in city vehicles.
“Our employees are out in the community on a daily basis and can see situations that need corrected. Now they can call them into a central location knowing that action will be taken,†said Adams.
The Citizens’ Service Request line number is 337-8502.
“We have been very pleased with the success of the request line because it gives all residents a chance to take an interest in the appearance, health and safety of our city,†said Adams.
