[3/11/04]Vicksburg residents will be able to access more city records on the Internet starting next month.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Wednesday to expand the city’s Web site to include GIS services. The GIS service will include city maps detailing the municipal limits, voting precincts, zoning and addresses.

City officials said they hope to add features in the near future including access to administrative permits such as building permits. That feature could allow residents to get permits without having to make a trip to City Hall.

“This is truly putting government back in the hands of the people,” said Mayor Laurence Leyens.

The new Internet services are expected to be available starting April 1 and will be accessible through the city’s Web site at www.vicksburg.org. Today, the Web site includes links to other local government Web sites, access to the city’s cable channel RCTV23 schedule and live broadcast, Web cams on Washington Street, city codes and a host of information.

Warren County officials are currently looking at the possibility of creating a county Web site this year.

The additional Internet access will cost $350 per month, said Paul Rogers, strategic planner.

In other matters the city board:

Approved board meeting minutes from Feb. 2, Feb. 4 and Feb. 9.

Presented the senior of the month award to Bea Warnock.

Approved an invoice for $5,255 for carpet at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Approved an invoice for $2,480 for computer printers for the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Approved a $250 advertisement for the Vicksburg High Scholl Diamond Club for a boys baseball and girls baseball event.

Approved final payment for the demolition of the former Walnut Towers.

Approved seeking a federal grant to fund half the cost of new armored vests for the Vicksburg Police Department.

Approved interlocal agreements with Warren County for tax assessment and collections, the sale of property for nonpayment of taxes, E-911 dispatch center and countywide ambulance and rescue services.

Approved the claims docket.

The city board was scheduled to meet again today.