PEABODY — Residents seeking city services or information regarding municipal government have a new way to find what they’re looking for, thanks to the launch of the city’s new mobile app, PeabodyConnect.
The app, announced by Mayor Ted Bettencourt’s office Monday, is the result of a $50,000 IT grant Peabody received from the state. The city used the grant to contract with Bluestone Apps to design and build PeabodyConnect. The free-to-download app is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and can be downloaded from both the Google Play Store and App Store.
Bettencourt, in a statement, said the app is designed to make it easier for residents and business owners to connect with city services.
“We want to meet people where they are in terms of delivering the high-quality municipal services that taxpayers expect,” he said.
The app allows users to contact city departments; pay municipal tax bills; report problems like potholes and downed tree branches; find information on public meetings, community events, and trash pickup; and more. Users can easily identify the city department they need to reach, with the app providing detailed descriptions of each department’s function.
Users can also find suggestions for activities in the city, like visiting Brooksby Farm or the North Shore Children’s Museum, and find information on municipal parking lots and public-transportation options in the area. Real-estate, motor-vehicle-excise, water/sewer, and electric bills can all be paid through the app.
In addition to flagging issues like potholes or tree branches, residents can report clogged storm drains, wild-animal issues, problems with trash and recycling, street-light and sign issues, or other complaints they may have, with the app noting the reports will be sent directly to the appropriate city-staff members.
The app will also send users email and push notifications.
