Editor's note: This story first appeared in Community News.
Ringgold, Ga., residents soon will be able to alert city officials of issues in the community with the touch of a button thanks to a new mobile phone app.
The city of Ringgold is joining other nearby cities in rolling out iWorQ, an app that allows residents to file "citizen requests" if they see something that needs to be fixed in the community, like a downed tree in the middle of the road or a leaning stop sign. The app allows those who download it to file work orders during and after business hours.
It should be available to Ringgold residents by the end of this month, City Manager Dan Wright said.
"Many times, our citizens are out for a walk or ride and come across something that needs our attention," he said. "This way, even if it is after hours, they can submit the request [while] they are thinking about it."
The city now allows citizens to submit work requests online, but Wright said this new app will streamline the process. The city uses the app for other departments, so Wright said it will help integrate things and make departments more consistent, too.
Residents also will be able to upload pictures of the issue they see, and they will receive feedback and a notification once the work is complete.
The city council unanimously approved the use of the app earlier this month. It will cost the city about $900 a year.
"I'm really excited about using this app," Mayor Nick Millwood said at the meeting.
Rossville and Walker County also allow residents to use the app to file work order requests. County public relations director Joe Legge said Walker started using the app at the end of April last year, and there were 42 citizen requests made before year's end.
Many of the county's departments already used iWorQ internally to create work orders or track code complaints, Legge said, and adding the new feature gave the community one more way to let officials know of issues they need to address.
Legge said July was the busiest month for citizen requests and issues with street signs were the most common complaints from residents.
"We had several reports of signs leaning, falling over or missing," he said. "Other concerns ranged from potholes and drainage to high grass."
The app will soon be available for download by Ringgold residents with iPhone and Android devices. They can search for "iWorQ Service Request" to download the app and then select the agency, which is "cityofringgold" in all lowercase letters.
Wright said the city will alert residents when the app becomes available by placing a link on the city's website, Facebook page, residents' water bills and in a newsletter.
Email Allison Shirk at allisonshirk92@gmail.com.