When it comes to providing information on its website, no county in Indiana does it better than Allen County.

The pro-transparency organization Sunshine Review has given Allen County’s website a grade of A-minus — the highest grade of any county in the state — after analyzing the site on November 10.  The only other A-minus awarded in the state was to the city of Indianapolis’ website.

“This independent review of our website is proof of Allen County government’s commitment  to promoting and providing full access to information for the general public,” said Commissioner Nelson Peters.  “Our offices and departments should be proud of this accomplishment.”

Sunshine Review analysts used a 10-point transparency checklist to assign a grade based upon the proactive disclosure of financial data, contact information, lobbying activity and a number of other items.

Among the positives of Allen County’s website were:

• County commissioners are posted, along with contact information.
• County council members are listed with contact information.
• Meeting minutes, agendas and schedules are posted for commissioners and county council.
• Contact information is posted on each department's webpage.
• Information and forms are provided for public records requests.
• Zoning information is posted.
• Building permit information and forms are posted.

The County’s website was also praised for the financial-related information provided, including:

• Local tax rates are posted.
• Taxes can be paid online.
• Budgets and archives are posted.
• Annual financial reports and archives are posted.
• Bid and contract information are posted.

“Citizens and taxpayers should be able to find out how their money is being spent without having to complete forms and provide identification,” said Tera Klutz, Allen County Auditor.  “Our goal is to provide stakeholders as much online information as possible so we can foster a relationship of trust between taxpayers and government officials.”