Idaho Falls promises customer service improvements in 2016

The city of Idaho Falls is resolving to improve its customer service in 2016.

Spokesperson Kerry McCullough said the city would offer an extended hour for utility customers to pay their bills. The utility office inside City Hall will be open until 6 p.m. on Mondays. A drop box is also located in the City Hall parking lot.

The extended hour is being offered on a trial basis until June. Additional billing options and a pre-payment option are also being evaluated.

For builders, the Community Development Services Department will launch a new permitting and plan review system in mid-January. A new software program called TRAKiT, will allow anyone seeking building permits, site plan approvals or any other planning or building related projects to submit all materials electronically.

Contractors will also be able to schedule inspections, see inspection results and review histories of all permits via the internet.

And, the Parks and Recreation Department will hire a new special events and volunteer coordinator. That person will help organize, develop and streamline special events and volunteer activities.