Some people are still getting used to recent changes made at Sarnia City Hall.
A new automated phone system and removal of a greeter in the reception area were put in place midway through March.
The system directs callers to an automated attendant but still allows residents to speak with a live attendant if they dial '0'.
CAO Margaret Misek-Evans says so far the city is receiving mixed reviews about the changes.
"Some good, some bad," she says. "We had a very nice email that was very positive about thanking the city for moving in this direction that will save people time and make the calling experience more efficient, and at the same time save tax dollars. There's a few glitches, for sure, and we're learning to improve so we can serve people as best we can."
The new system will save the city roughly $83,500 annually and it eliminated a vacant finance position, so no one lost their job as a result of the change.
Misek-Evans says the automated system should reduce the number of transfers and the amount of time someone spends on hold.
"People who don't necessarily know who or what department they want to speak to can always [press '0'] for live answer," she says. "Those who do have the extension number or the name of the individual can go direct."
The automated system was already built into the current phone system at city hall so there were no added costs to the change.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has long been opposed to the automated system and elimination of the one city position.
