Less than nine months after a major redesign of Franklin County’s website, County Commissioners are receiving national recognition as having one of the most transparent government websites in the nation.
Sunshine Review, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to open access to public records and information, released the results of its annual Sunny Awards – an extensive nationwide review of government websites, comparing the amount of access, transparency, and record content being made available to the general public.
Experts analyzed more than 6,000 different government websites, seeking access to information on budgets, meetings, financial audits, contracts, public records and taxes.
Franklin County’s website received an “A” grade during the extensive Sunny Award grading process.
The Sunshine Review specifically noted that the Commissioners’ meetings, agendas and minutes are published and easily accessible; contact information for elected officials is easily found; budget information - including Frequently Asked Questions and processes relating to the budget - are also published; and the public can follow the work of the County Commissioners on social media outlets such as Twitter.
In late June 2011, the Board of Commissioners launched a redesigned website, enhancing their online presence with improved navigation and accessibility features. The user-friendly design and layout made it significantly easier for the public to locate information about programs and services.
The Sunny Awards announcement coincides with the launch of “Sunshine Week,” March 11-17, nationally recognized by media and civic organizations to celebrate the strides taken toward open government and improved access to public records.
Since its inception in 2008, Sunshine Review has analyzed the websites of all 50 states and more than 6,000 state and local entities.
Access the County Commissioners’ website at
www.FranklinCountyOhio.gov/Commissioners.