City of Merced launches new website

The city of Merced has launched a remodel of its website, modernizing the appearance and streamlining navigation.

The upgrade is the first in 10 years and was introduced over the weekend.

Jeff Bennyhoff, the city’s information technology director, will discuss the update at Monday’s City Council meeting.

The city uses a software that was developed in the 1960s, and city staff familiar with the software recently retired. The software still is functional and is used for billing, payroll, business licenses, building permits and more.

The department is looking into replacing the software, but it comes with a hefty price tag –$750,000.

In the meantime, the department will contract with THOR, Inc. to provide support services over the next year for $165,000.

The City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th St.

This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 8:22 AM with the headline "City of Merced launches new website."