Cottage City, MD Delivers Best In Class Code Enforcement to Residents
Charles Reading, Head of Code Enforcement, Cottage City, MD, first used Comcate’s Code Enforcement software about 5 years ago while working for the City of Hyattsville, MD. They were early adopters and realized how easy work is when you have code enforcement software. Mr. Reading had assumed this was how every city operated; only to find that not all agencies had made the switch from manual process to field-driven software that makes record keeping a breeze in one central database.
What’s the problem that Cottage City was trying to solve?
Mr. Reading stated, “There was no record keeping. We utilized pen and paper for our case management. We were fortunate if we found a case file sitting around in an empty dresser.”
Being able to have organized records with case notes, contact information and inspections was the biggest motivation for Cottage City. There was no proof of what work was being done daily, weekly, and monthly. Mr. Reading was tasked with looking into software that could manage case documentation, inspections and reporting.
What prompted Cottage City to act NOW?
As a joint code enforcement town officer, Mr. Reading spends half the day in Cottage City and half in another town; so, maximizing his efficiency is critical. Sifting through endless word documents was slowing him down and not effective. Mr. Reading said, “We’re in 2022. Everything is done electronically now – the pen and paper days have gone.”
What was the selection process?
For Cottage City, anything over $500 needs a competitive bidding process. Mr. Reading went through the standard Request for proposal (RFP) process. He stated, “Looking at pricing alone, Comcate has the most competitive pricing by leaps and bounds. Comcate also had the most straightforward contracts out of all the RFPs received.”
Mr. Reading emphasized, “Comcate is willing to work with municipalities to determine the maximum available solution based on a strict set budget. Kolten Keeney, Comcate’s Vice President of Growth, was a huge ally in terms of making the deal come together and the roadmap possible.”
Who was a part of the software selection process?
Cottage City, MD had three stakeholders who were the key drivers in selecting new Code Enforcement software. The first stakeholder was Anthony Ayers Sr, Chief of Police. He set the criteria for what functionality the software should have in addition to setting the budget. The second stakeholder was Charles Reading who was generous to participate in this interview and is the Head of Code Enforcement for the municipality. Last but not least, the Council was very involved and a key driver in seeing the importance of having streamlined Code Enforcement Case Management.
How will success be measured?
Mr. Reading stated, “The return on investment has already been made back just in terms of accessible case management and complaint volume being down.”
How did Cottage City budget for Comcate?
He said, “The funds were to be allocated from the police fund, but the council ultimately decided where to pull the money from.”
How was the implementation process?
He explained, “The implementation process was extremely fast, simple, and straightforward. We couldn't have asked for an easier process. Paige, our dedicated onboarding manager, got the software up and running within 21 days. There was an extremely fast turnaround!”
What difference has this made for staff?
“Paige helped create a uniform violation notice.” Mr. Reading continued, “ So, anytime there is a violation, residents get the same treatment with no variation. Additionally, being able to provide reports to Council that show the overall picture of what work is being completed has created operational transparency for all stakeholders.”
What advice would you give to peers about why to switch to software?
Mr. Reading excitedly said, “Those days of pen and paper are of the past.Having a centralized database as well as the simplicity of software, like Comcate, streamlines everything into one package.”
Reading is so confident with Comcate that he has recommended it to the neighboring town of Cheverly, MD to improve their program as well.
Anything else you'd like to cover?
Reading emphasized, “While Comcate provides software to a lot of agencies, it is still an intimate relationship. The team is very friendly, down to earth, and humble. No one likes to be pushed into a deal and Comcate is very customer-centric.”
Fulfilling a Mission
Cottage City, MD’s Code Enforcement Department is tasked with a big mission to help empower the citizens of the Town of Cottage City to create and maintain safe, healthy, and attractive living and working environments. By working in partnership with the community, they can improve neighborhoods and economic conditions so that the Town is a good place to live, raise families, work, and retire.
At Comcate, we’re proud to be an ally of Cottage City, MD (and all our clients in PG County) as they make the community a better place to live.
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