The parchment paper background and tiny script is being replaced with an updated, sleeker look. The town of Dumfries is going to have a new website.

MDA Technologies Group has created the new site, which is in the process of being beta-tested by a representative cross section of the community.

The new site has a white background and a blue banner on top. The font is larger and easier to read. It includes social networking links for the town and a Google Translate button to make the information easier to understand for non-native English speakers.

Matt McDonald of MDA Technologies told the council in his presentation on Aug. 2 that different departments now have their own navigation within the site, and each department will be able to update their own information.

McDonald said one of the goals was to make sure users can find the information they’re looking for.

Changes to the website also include the web address, which is currently DumfriesVirginia.org. The new address will be DumfriesVa.gov. Even with this change, the town intends to retain the old domain name for continuity. People who go to the old website will be redirected to the new one.

Vice Mayor Nancy West said the old parchment paper was looking very drab and commended Councilwoman Dorothea Barr for pushing for a new website.

Town Manager Kim Alexander suggested people with suggestions for the new website contact Debi Sandlin, the director of economic development. She may be contacted at dsandlin@dumfriesvirginia.org for now. Eventually, the town government e-mails with have the new domain name as well.

By: KJ Mushung

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