Apex saved $13k with online notices

ryanteaguebeckwith — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:57:29 -0400

The town of Apex saved $13,000 with online notices.

About a year ago, Town Clerk Georgia Evangelist heard that the city of Raleigh was publishing its meeting notices online.

She decided to try a similar program for the town of Apex, which is near Research Triangle Park in Wake County.

Apex and several other Wake towns got permission from a special bill in the legislature last year to publish online, instead of in the local newspaper. A bill filed this year would expand the program statewide.

Evangelist said the town still occasionally advertises in the Apex Herald and The News & Observer. It also sends letters to neighbors who may be affected.

"We still advertise in the paper when it's something we need to get our more widely, like a pre-budget hearing," she said.'

Update: Cary spokeswoman Susan Moran estimated the town spends $20,000 a year on online notices, although it still advertises in the local newspapers as well.

Clinton coming to Cary on Friday

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:15:40 -0400

Bill Clinton is coming to Cary.

The former president will campaign on his wife's behalf at the Cary Senior Center around 4:45 p.m. Friday, according to town spokeswoman Susan Moran.

"We received a call from Senator Clinton's campaign this afternoon inquiring about availablility of the Cary Senior Center for a campaign event," she said.

The event, which is geared toward seniors, will be open to the public. Seating capacity at the town-owned center is 320 inside, with overflow space for another 100 outside if the weather is nice.

The Clinton campaign will pay out-of-town and holiday rates for the center, which would otherwise be closed for Good Friday. The cost is $130 an hour, including set-up and take-down time.

Moran said the town is charging because it is a political event and not part of Clinton's role as former president.

"We would rent to anyone," she said.