Yearly Archives: 2013

Small Town Stories: Deary, Idaho

By Black Mountain Software | Published December 23, 2013

BMS welcomes the small town of Deary, Idaho to our family! Deary, with its population of 505, has lumber homesteaders who made their way there during the 1880’s and 1890’s to thank for their rural northern Idaho lifestyle.

Timber, along with agriculture, remain the main industries of Deary since its establishment in 1907.

Deary is a product of the Potlatch Lumber Company, like many of its fellow communities along the Idaho railway such as Elk River, Bovill, and Potlatch. Unlike Potlatch, however, the town of Deary was created by the sale of lots which were to be lumbered and then cleared solely for the purpose of creating homelands. Read more >

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“Life is Sweet with Black Mountain Software” Contest Winner Announced

By Black Mountain Software | Published December 5, 2013

We are excited to announce Codey Stocks as the winner of our “Life is Sweet with Black Mountain Software” prize drawing!  Codey is the Clerk/Treasurer for the Town of Dixon, Wyoming, which just happens to be a relatively new client of Black Mountain Software. The Town of Dixon purchased our utility billing and government financial accounting software this past summer, and Codey is currently in training on these products. She didn’t enter the drawing until November 7th, after receiving a reminder email that the contest end date was nearing.

On Monday, November 18th, when Codey’s name was drawn from the 145 entries we received through our online entry form, we knew we had to involve Donna Steele in the announcement.  Donna is one of our Customer Support Specialists who has been training Codey on the BMS Accounting products. Read more >

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Office Back Pain Prevention

By Black Mountain Software | Published December 2, 2013

We’ve talked about how headsets can prevent pains in the neck, and how monitors can prevent eye strain, but we have yet to talk about the “backbone” of work ergonomics: back pain prevention.

Because our backs are involved in every function we perform at work–sitting, standing, lifting, reaching, pushing and pulling–they are easily neglected, yet are such a vital part of our well-being and comfort.  As the cold weather slowly approaches and aches and pains seems to appear out of nowhere, now is the perfect time to re-evaluate your back health and apply these simple back pain prevention techniques.

When sitting

  • Be sure your workspace is adjusted to accommodate your height and seating position.  You may need your monitor lifted, or your chair lowered, to ensure that you are viewing your computer at comfortable eye-level.
Read more >
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Cross-pollination: What Software and Search and Rescue Have in Common

By Black Mountain Software | Published November 25, 2013

What is the corporate case for supporting employee volunteerism?  That question is being asked by more and more businesses.  But if you ask Black Mountain Software, we already know the answer.

We are proud of the depth and breadth of volunteerism our employees display, and we know just what this volunteer work means to our business: better innovation, engaged employees, connection with the community, and valuable skill sets which help make better business decisions.

When skill sets are put to use outside of office, it offers employees intellectual and emotional insight into solving problems and seeking opportunities.  Volunteerism allows volunteers to gain experience and try out new skill sets which they then apply to their everyday jobs; overall reducing risk, developing their skills, building alliances, and hence, growing their business. Read more >

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5 Unique Holiday Office Party Ideas

By Black Mountain Software | Published November 18, 2013

Think you can’t possibly cram down one more wiener wrap while sitting around listening to Let it Snow at another office party this year? Or, maybe you are the one tasked with planning the perfect office party, and are sweating like a snowman in front of a fire trying to figure out how to make this year’s party fun.

Either way, you and your co-workers can have a blast at the next holiday office party by “freshening up” your traditional Christmas or holiday event.  Here are five unique holiday office party ideas that are inexpensive, unique, and fun. Time to think outside the “gift” box! Read more >

Posted in BMS Events, City Clerk Cafe, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

17 Cash Handling Procedures YOUR Utility or City Office Should Embrace

By Black Mountain Software | Published November 11, 2013

Money cash

When a clerk is handling cash or other receipts and finds him/herself wondering, “What is the right thing to do in this situation?” or “Are there specific rules for this?,” it’s a sure-fire sign that training and/or procedural documentation is lacking.

When it comes to properly handling receipts, creating and maintaining a list of procedures and requirements are key to keeping books balanced, regulations honored, and questions to a minimum. Your cash handling list should be kept close by for quick reference and should be updated and re-distributed as new situations arise.

Very detailed instructions on basic procedures should be outlined for taking receipts, making deposits, and handling special circumstances such as NSF checks. Read more >

Posted in Best Practices, BMS Products, Government Accounting Standards, Office Efficiency, Small Cities, Utility Billing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Cost of impact fees: who pays for them and what they fund

By Black Mountain Software | Published November 4, 2013

We recently found a study done on impact fees: what they fund, what percentage is allocated where, and to whom the highest impact fees are imposed. We found it so interesting, we developed an infographic using the information to share with everyone here at the Clerk Cafe. Here are the results.

You may find it interesting to see what types of structures are charged the most, and what programs the fees contribute to.

What are impact fees?

Impact fees are fees imposed by local government on new or proposed development projects to pay for the cost of providing public services (water, sewer, gas, streets, sidewalks) to that development. Read more >

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Positive Energy: How To Change Your Office for the Better

By Black Mountain Software | Published October 28, 2013

Gratitude Journal

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” – Anais Nin.

Sure, it may sound easy to “stay positive,” but when the office is swirling with citizen complaints, you’re stuck in the red tape, your computer has a meltdown, or you are one man down, it can be difficult to remain optimistic. However, that’s exactly when it is most important to remain positive!

Research has shown that the benefits of positivity in the workplace are endless.  Just merely going through the motions can actually trigger feelings of happiness.  A happy workplace results in increased productivity, fewer sick days, feelings of security, and positive conflict resolution. Read more >

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Small Town Stories: Plevna, Montana

By Black Mountain Software | Published October 21, 2013

We are excited to welcome the town of Plevna, Montana to our Black Mountain Software family. While the Plevna School District, home of the Cougars, has been a software client of ours since 2009, we are thrilled that the town of Plevna itself is also joining our BMS family of customers.

Plevna, with a population of 162 and 90 utility customers, occupies Fallon County, Montana. First established in 1909, Plevna resides on the Milwaukee Road Transcontinental Rail Line along the Pacific Extension. Due to the number of Bulgarian railroad workers in the area at the time, the town is named after a Bulgarian city, Pleven. Read more >

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5 Basic Cash Handling Principles and Procedures for Utility Providers

By Black Mountain Software | Published October 14, 2013

Cash

“Am I doing this right?”

“I know we’ve ‘always done it this way’ but why?”

These are the questions that run through the minds of cashiers and cash handlers in a utility company.  And that’s ok!  Why? Because there are answers to these questions!

Though policies may differ slightly between organizations, there are some general and specific cash handling procedures that can be implemented to improve – or maybe even explain – your cash handling processes. These basic principles for proper management of receipts fall into five areas: 1) establishing responsibility, 2) segregating duties, 3) restricting access, 4) independent verification, and 5) document procedures. Read more >

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