Madisonians,

I had to laugh the other day when our director of Information Services told me

someone had used our new online payment option to pay 19 overdue parking tickets

for a total of over $600. That is a record since we first began accepting

credit card payments for parking tickets online in early April, 2001. In fact,

we have collected more than $120,000 since then from people who have used our

new online payment option. The distance record belongs to someone paying a

parking ticket from Spain!

In addition to parking tickets, of course, we've also enabled our sewer and

water utility customers to make credit card payments online since September.

Increasing numbers of Madison residents are taking advantage of that

opportunity. The website address is now printed on all parking tickets and

water bills. The distance award for online payment of sewer and water bills

comes from New Delhi, India.

It's also been possible to purchase gift certificates from the Madison Civic

Center since November, just in time for the busy holiday gift-giving season.

Madison has been described as on the cutting edge when it comes to offering its

customers E-Government solutions. A recent State Legislative Audit Bureau

Report surveyed more than 225 local government websites in Wisconsin. Madison's

website was called the one that comes closest to the goals set by the Kettl

Commission by allowing people to conduct a variety of transactions online.

Madison is one of only two Wisconsin cities to offer the ability to pay parking

tickets online.

We're also conspicuous in that there is no additional fee to the customer who

uses the online payment option.

Soon it will be possible to access accident reports online as well. This is in

part thanks to a generous $10,000 contribution from State Farm Insurance Co. for

the project.

The Legislative Audit Bureau Report also takes note of the fact that staff in

the City Assessor's Office indicate that since property assessment information

has been made available online, residents who come to the office with complaints

are better informed and have fewer questions.

We've also added links to powerful information sources on emergency preparedness

to the City website. Since September 11 it's been clear that the public needs

to know where it can look for timely and reliable information on public health

and safety issues. As a result, we've included links to the Office of Homeland

Security, Centers for Disease Control, US Postal Service, American Red Cross,

plus the State of Wisconsin and Dane County, and other resources. News releases

and other timely information from Madison Police, Fire, Public Health, and other

agencies, will also be provided here, as circumstances warrant.

Offering E-Government solutions is a major thrust of my administration. We will

continue to roll out new applications in the future that enable our customers to

avoid waiting in line by going online to complete their business with the city.

Susan J.M. Bauman

Mayor