Yearly Archives: 2022

Four Ways BMS Can Save You Time and Money

By Jake Holley | Published August 9, 2022

We love to find new ways to make offices more efficient and less wasteful, which is why we apply so much time to updating our software to better suit the needs of clients and save them time and money. Though these features and add-ons have been around for a while, it’s a good reminder that if you aren’t currently using them, there’s a potential to save your agency more time and money—no new software required!

BMS Cloud Hosting

The BMS Cloud allows you and your staff to work anywhere there’s an internet connection, even from the comfort of your own home. Read more >

Posted in BMS Products, City Clerk Cafe, School Software, Small Cities, Utility Billing | Comments Off on Four Ways BMS Can Save You Time and Money

How to Make a Big Software Switch Less Intimidating

By Jake Holley | Published June 21, 2022

Oh no you’ve really done it this time!

You’ve met with the vendor. You’ve made the decision. You’ve cut the purchase order. And now? Now you have to go through with it!

A major software change is incredibly intimidating for many agencies seeking an update to their systems. It means dealing with a lot of information, learning new processes, integrating the system, taking the network off-line, and training employees. As a software provider for local governments, schools and utilities, we are no strangers to the intimidation factor. That’s why we’ve pledged a great deal of our efforts towards making the process as pain-free as possible. Read more >

Posted in Best Practices, BMS Products, BMS Tech Tips, City Clerk Cafe, Office Efficiency | Comments Off on How to Make a Big Software Switch Less Intimidating

New Web Portal Aims to Help Small Communities Apply for Federal Funding

By Jake Holley | Published May 24, 2022

Since the passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act earlier this year, there are billions of dollars available for local governments to update crumbling infrastructure. However, accessing those funds is not always as easy as it sounds when navigating the grant application process and accompanying bureaucracy feels more like a funhouse Odyssey than a walk in the park. Luckily, a new joint venture will launch this summer designed to help small and mid-sized cities secure the federal bag.

Local Infrastructure Hub, a collaboration between the US Conference of Mayors (USCM), the National League of Cities (NLC), and Results for America will go live July 1st as reported by American City & County. Read more >

Posted in City Clerk Cafe, Latest News, Small Cities | Comments Off on New Web Portal Aims to Help Small Communities Apply for Federal Funding

Five Ideas for Creating Transparency Within Your Local Agency

By Jake Holley | Published April 13, 2022

Paul Gillin of the book The New Influencers is noted as saying “Transparency may be the most disruptive and far-reaching innovation to come out of social media.”

Isn’t that the truth? Good or bad, social media has changed the way the government and media releases information. Social media allows people of all ages, genders, classes and interests to share, spread and consider new information in a single keystroke. It is a very powerful—and sometimes—intimidating tool.

But as the saying goes: “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Accordingly, more government agencies are accepting and embracing this new age of transparency online, which has allowed their constituents greater access to, and the ability to participate in the sharing of public information. Read more >

Posted in Best Practices, BMS Partners, BMS Products, BMS Tech Tips, City Clerk Cafe, Technology | Comments Off on Five Ideas for Creating Transparency Within Your Local Agency

Covid Recovery Funds Offer Plenty of Options for American Counties

By Jake Holley | Published January 28, 2022

As reported by American City & County, the US Treasury announced its final rule for the State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) under ARPA. SLFRF totals $65.1 billion to be allotted on a per county basis with plenty of provisions that allow counties to distribute these funds as they see fit.

One of the key provisions will allow approximately 70% of counties to declare $10 million as lost revenue, which enables them to allocate that money for the following general government services:

  • Constructing schools and hospitals
  • Road maintenance and other infrastructure
  • Health services
  • Government administration and staff
  • Environmental remediation
  • Police, first responders, and public safety

The Treasury’s ruling also improves revenue loss calculations to include utility revenue and liquor store sale options for counties, clarifies eligible uses of distributed funds for capital expenditures, streamlines options for providing premium pay by broadening the pool of eligible employees, authorizes re-hiring local government staff, and most importantly given ever increasing cyber threats, allows recovery funds to be used for improved cybersecurity. Read more >

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