In an effort to open and extend the lines of communication with its citizens, Dawson County government launched a new e-newsletter last week.

The first issue of "In Touch with your Dawson County Government," which went out to residents last Thursday, spotlights improvements the county has seen in recent months, such as renovations to the county's historic courthouse fused with the developmental plans for a new courthouse and county administration building.

The newsletter also covered topics such as lower insurance rates for property owners due to a recent insurance service re-evaluation and Dawson County's rural property assessments.

There will be no advertising or promotional items in the newsletter, said Dawson County Manager Kevin Tanner. 

"This is strictly information about what the citizens' tax dollars are paying for and a good way for residents to stay in touch with what is happening in Dawson County government," he said.

Tanner believes most issues citizens have with local government stem from a lack of accurate information. "We want to change that with this newsletter and several additional means we have planned to communicate with our citizens," he said.

A 10-week citizens government training program, similar to the citizens law enforcement academy offered by the sheriff's office each year, is also planned to begin this fall to promote knowledge of county government.

"Between the newsletter, the community training program and a renewed focus on customer service in each county department, we're looking at how we can serve our clients better," Tanner said.

"We realize as a government that our customers are the taxpayers. They are the folks that live in Dawson County, and it's important to us to serve them better. We're looking for ways to do that, and we're open to suggestions," he said.

To sign up for the county newsletter, send a direct e-mail to newsletter@dawsoncounty.org, or log on to the county's Web site, www.dawsoncounty.org and click on the newsletter link.

E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.