This past month, Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan announced his office had launched the newest effort towards more open and accountable government in the new office website, www.macoupincountyclerk.com.

“Over the last seven years, I’ve made making our office more accessible to people 24/7 online a top priority,” Duncan said. “This new website for the office serves as a hub for all types of information on the services the County Clerk’s office provides. We’ve come a long way from just having a list of fees the office charges and a few documents on the website when I took over.”

The Clerk’s website allows users to find applications for the various licenses and permits the office handles, information on how to get a copy of birth or death certificate, reports on property tax rates around the county as well as countless other features of the office.

The new site also serves as a starting point for exploring the many other websites Duncan has created since taking office. These include:

• MacoupinMinutes.com which has over 40 years of County Board minutes available as well as upcoming meeting agenda packets
• MacoupinBudget.com which has over 20 years of budget information for all County funds
• MacoupinCheckbook.com which has over 10 years of the County’s checkbook available to be searched
• MacoupinPayroll.com which has over 10 years of the County’s payroll records
• MacoupinVotes.com which is a comprehensive Election office website that allows for voters to do such things as check their register to vote, apply to vote by mail or search decades worth of Election results
• Online Access to Land Records with all recorded documents from 1829 to present accessible online

“More and more, people expect to be able to get the service or information they need from government on their timetable and at their convenience,” Duncan said. “When people can instantly buy and download music, books and so much more from the phone in their pocket, it’s imperative that government do what it can to offer that same level of service. That’s the better, smarter government I’ve worked towards since taking office and continue to strive to deliver.”

Duncan said users who have suggestions on what else his office would provide online should feel free to contact the office. He also stressed that new websites and online services would be rolling out in the next few weeks.