HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-15-2013 Mayor Announces Launch of First Phase of City's 311 Line SOU TJJ gF
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CITY OF SOUTH BEND
PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2013
Contact: Mike Schmuhl
Phone: 574-235-9261
MAYOR BUTTIGIEG ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF FIRST PHASE OF CITY'S 311
CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE
311 Phone Line Now Operational for Three City Services
SOUTH BEND Mayor Pete Buttigieg announced on Friday morning the launch of the first
phase of a 311 customer service phone line for the City of South Bend. Mayor Buttigieg made
the announcement at the South Bend Water Works in downtown South Bend with 311 Director
Cynthia Simmons and 311 Project Manager Kris Priemer.
"Today is a big step forward toward improved customer service for the residents,businesses, and
visitors of South Bend," said Mayor Buttigieg. "Smart government works when information is
easier to find and answers come sooner rather than later."
Not all City departments and divisions will be transferred to the new 311 line. The first three
divisions to roll into 311 include Water Works, Solid Waste, and the Street Department. In the
coming weeks and months,the City will incorporate more departments, divisions, and services.
It is important for residents and businesses to understand the distinction and rollout of the
service.
"This is an exciting initiative and we're ready to get started," said Simmons, who will work with
four 311 customer service representatives in the South Bend Water Works building downtown.
"This is an excellent opportunity to expand our customer service in South Bend and it will be so
helpful to people. They will have one number to call and they won't be transferred to the wrong
extensions."
1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING•227 W.JEFFERSON BOULEVARD•SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601
PHONE 574/235-9261 • FAx 574/235-9892 • TTD 574/235-5567
What is 311?
311 is a simple, three-digit phone number that residents, businesses, and visitors can use to get
non-emergency information about City of South Bend services or programs, or to make a request
for service.
Who can call 311?
Anyone within the city limits of South Bend can call 311 free of charge. However, regular pay
phone and cellular phone charges still apply.
What are the hours of operation?
311 customer service representatives are available to answer questions or fill a service request
for the three divisions included in the first phase in the rollout during the week, Monday-Friday,
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
What information is available on the Web?
Friday morning, the City activated www.southbendin.aov/311 to help residents and businesses
learn more about 311. Service requests can also be activated online 24/7 using the above link.
The webpage will also feature a detailed "FAQ" section.
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