New online application system for board volunteers

BROOKINGS — Those wishing to volunteer for a Brookings board or commission can now do so online.

The City of Brookings is implementing a new management system for volunteer boards and commissions, City Clerk Bonnie Foster told the City Council last week.

The new system, online at onboard.cityofbrookings-sd.gov., will save the city time processing paper applications that were not specific to individual boards, Foster told the council.

The new process will also make term lengths and open positions more visible to the general public, Foster said, and consolidate information in one location.

“Through the new system, residents can now quickly and easily view general board information, historical membership, attendance and vacant seats for all boards and commissions in one location,” Foster said in a release.

The new system will allow staff to update contact information for board members, track membership and quickly generate reports, including term expirations and vacancies, as well as make managing applications easier for staff.

Residents interested in learning about the City’s boards and commissions can now use the online portal, onboard.cityofbrookings-sd.gov.

The city’s boards have several current vacancies, so residents are encouraged to check out the new portal as well as volunteer for any open seats they find.

Linehan is the Beacon’s managing editor and welcomes comments at BrookingsBeacon@gmail.com