(BUTLER TOWNSHIP – May 9, 2013) – The Butler Township supervisors announced Thursday that the township has launched a new website to improve communication with township residents, who can now easily find a great deal of information about the township in a modern, easy-to-navigate design.

The site, www.butlertownship.org, was unveiled during a supervisors' work session on Thursday. It features extensive information on township government, services and events, as well as meeting dates and contact information for all departments. Site visitors can also download permit applications.

Supervisors' Chairman Brian Kisenwether said, "Our new website shows that we are focused on staying current and committed to meeting residents' needs. We recognized the importance of a website that not only includes the necessary details, but is also easy to use. This modern site will provide information to township residents while saving them time."

Documents and forms are available through the website include zoning and building permit applications as well as road occupancy, sewer connection and sign permit applications. The forms can be downloaded, filled out and returned to the township office.

"This is an example of how valuable the website will be. Features like downloadable permit applications save township staff time in preparing documents and providing information that residents are now able to access on their own, which also benefits taxpayers," Kisenwether said.

He encouraged residents to visit the website frequently, as it will continue to be updated with the latest news and information regarding Butler Township. The site is also helpful for potential new residents and businesses, as they can easily find the information they need about Butler Township and Luzerne County.

Visitors to www.butlertownship.org will find an area overview, which contains hours and directions as well as information on economic development, education and history.

The government section features information about Butler Township's budget, supervisors, other boards and commissions, staff and meeting dates.

The services section provides details about ambulance, fire and police coverage; the planning department; recycling; the roads department; the township tax collector; the zoning department and wastewater treatment in the township.

The recreation section includes information about the township's community center, parks, senior center and upcoming activities.

Additional features of the site include links to regional and county organizations and an online contact form to reach township supervisors and staff.

The website was developed by Precision Design, a Hazleton-based advertising, marketing and public relations firm that designed websites for Hazle Township, Rush Township and Cass Township.

Precision Design President David C. Haupt said, "In today's world, it is a necessity for a municipality to have a website that is well organized and includes the most up-to-date information. A website sometimes serves as someone's first interaction with a municipality, and this site can be a powerful way for Butler Township to project a modern image of itself online. The municipalities for which we've designed websites have found their sites to be a valuable tool in communicating with current and potential residents, as well as businesses that are interested in their community."