West Chester picks vendor to post township spending records online

Township opted to pay for service over free program offered by state.
West Chester Twp. began discussing the transparency tool a year ago and in September the trustees eschewed joining Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel’s free online checkbook — many Butler County governments have gone that route — wanting instead to have a tool that offers a deeper data base both for the public and to be used between township departments.

West Chester Twp. began discussing the transparency tool a year ago and in September the trustees eschewed joining Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel’s free online checkbook — many Butler County governments have gone that route — wanting instead to have a tool that offers a deeper data base both for the public and to be used between township departments.
News
By Denise Callahan
March 16, 2017
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West Chester Twp. residents will soon have a window into the finances of their local government now that trustees have given their administrator the go ahead to negotiate a deal with the online data source OpenGov.

The township began discussing the transparency tool a year ago and in September the trustees eschewed joining Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel's free online checkbook — many Butler County governments have gone that route — wanting instead to have a tool that offers a deeper data base both for the public and to be used between township departments.

Explore PAYROLL PROJECT: West Chester Twp.’s highest paid employees

The township has budgeted $50,000 for the platform.

Township Administrator Judi Boyko told trustees this week after she put out a request for proposals two vendors replied and she recommends OpenGov because it offers a wealth of options.

Explore MORE: Why some Butler County department finances aren’t online

“The township wants its open data platform to perform two primary functions, one of them is of course the public’s thirst and desire for transparency and data and information,” she said. “And what I believe is equally important is the strategic internal purpose which is integrating mapping and cross referencing all of our data platforms that exist right now in silos… My recommendation is to contract with OpenGov.”

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About the Author

Denise Callahan