CHESTERVILLE — Options for online banking services and a town website will be brought to voters at the annual town meeting in March, selectmen have decided.

Online banking services and website design would give residents more bill-paying options and make town information more accessible, the selectmen agreed at their meeting last week.

Last month, Androscoggin Savings Bank, which serves 51 towns, including Jay, Wayne and Turner, presented selectmen with its proposal. It could provide services for online payment of taxes, registrations and licenses. Customers would be assessed an additional fee per transaction for the service. The cost is $1 to pay by check or a minimum of $1.95 to pay by debit or credit card.

The service is private and no credit card information can be seen at the Town Office.

The town would also be able to offer direct deposit to employees at no cost, with no fees for online banking.

SecurePay, an online service requiring a $75 monthly fee, would upload checks written by the town. If a check isn’t on the town-provided list, SecurePay doesn’t pay it.

Androscoggin Savings Bank requires a three-year contract and it will take six weeks to transition. The bank would provide training, the board was told.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Guy Iverson requested an Androscoggin Savings Bank application be obtained.

The town uses TD Bank.

Regarding website design, Lorna Nichols said she created a site for New Sharon and upgraded the Franklin County site. She has 30 years of experience in graphic design.

Nichols said an annual hosting fee of $200 to $250 would be needed; the state already has the domain name. A mobile version is available, as is a Facebook page that coordinates with the website.

Nichols charges $35 per hour and estimates 10 to 15 hours to design the site. It would be updated as needed. 

Information listed on the site could include contacts for officials, meeting minutes, agendas, town reports, tax bills, town ordinances and forms, town departments and calendar items. Historical information, pictures and special postings are other suggestions, Nichols said.

She said a website would be helpful for new people and residents looking for information. Google Analytics can track visitors and provide useful site information for officials. 

“People want to be informed,” Iverson said. “This is definitely the direction we need to go.” 

Selectman Tiffany Estabrook said the initial website setup would likely cost more than maintaining it. 

She said she has developed a Facebook page for Chesterville to improve communication with residents.

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