Laurel’s efforts to modernize its municipal website moved into a discussion of affordability and possible service providers during a Nov. 2, Mayor and Council workshop, following recommendations from the town’s Communications Committee.

The committee, an initiative championed by Councilman George Lodato, previously concluded that the existing website is difficult to navigate and does not adequately provide access to municipal records, online services and community information. Its Oct. 12 report recommended replacing the site rather than continuing piecemeal updates. The report also called for improvements to the town newsletter and a Welcome to Laurel brochure, and received a positive response to the newsletter changes.

At the workshop, Town Manager Jamie Smith suggested that officials first decide whether to pursue assistance from Delaware’s Government Information Center, continue with the town’s existing website provider, Delmarva Digital, or solicit competitive proposals. Lodato agreed that the town needs to explore its options before committing funds.

The Government Information Center, or GIC, supports websites for numerous Delaware municipalities. Committee materials describe the service as a potentially cost-effective option offering accessible design, meeting notices, calendars, documents and other public information. But Lodato said his earlier requests for assistance had not produced a commitment. The materials indicate that GIC had not been accepting new development projects at the time of the committee’s inquiries, making availability uncertain.

Cost is a significant obstacle. Workshop participants said Laurel has approximately $15,000 budgeted for website work, while estimates discussed for a more extensive redesign ranged from $15,000 to $50,000 depending on the scope. Lodato argued that spending the existing allocation on temporary repairs would be unwise if the town ultimately needs a complete replacement. He suggested pursuing GIC while allowing time to plan for a future budget.

The discussion also addressed the town’s longstanding relationship with Delmarva Digital. Smith said the company had supported Laurel for many years and recalled that a previous version of the town website cost approximately $4,500 at a time when a comparable project could have been substantially more expensive. Officials acknowledged the value of that relationship while agreeing that the town should examine alternatives and seek clearer pricing against detailed requirements.

Lodato raised the possibility of asking Georgetown whether Laurel could adapt elements of Georgetown’s municipal website rather than commission a completely new design. That suggestion prompted questions about ownership of the website code, licensing rights and whether the original developer would be willing or able to maintain an adapted version. A participant urged the town to determine whether Georgetown owns the design outright or merely licenses it before assuming any part could be shared.

The committee has already prepared detailed website requirements and a draft request for proposals that could be used to seek bids. The proposed site would organize information into seven primary areas: Our Town, Mayor and Council, Departments, Civic Organizations, Applications and Forms, Documents, and Resources. Recommendations include searchable public records, budgets and audits, meeting agendas and minutes, online forms, service notices, accessibility features and a community calendar.

The committee’s review found missing or difficult-to-find financial documents, outdated application processes, limited event information and gaps in links to community resources. Its proposal calls for a website that residents can use to locate services and information without having to understand the town’s internal government structure. It also emphasizes the need for town employees to update routine content without relying on a contractor for every change.

Lodato said he had discussed the possibility of assistance with state Rep. Tim Dukes. During the workshop, officials expressed support for additional outreach to GIC and to Dukes, as well as contacting Georgetown to clarify its website arrangement. They discussed revisiting the larger decision after the first of the year, when the town could better assess its options and financial capacity.

Participants also stressed that competition could improve value for taxpayers. The draft request for proposals provides a starting point for comparing vendors on functionality, accessibility, security, maintenance and long-term costs, rather than relying solely on an initial design price.

No website contract or replacement plan was approved during the workshop. The emerging direction was to continue exploring state assistance and other cost-saving possibilities while preserving the option of competitive bidding. For the Communications Committee, the objective remains a modern website that makes Laurel’s government easier to navigate, more transparent and more useful to residents and businesses.