Nitro citizens will soon have more access to the city government with the help of new computer software.
Council members approved purchasing a new computer software package that would streamline the city's two existing software programs into one during its meeting Tuesday.
The city's current systems are not compatible.
"Right now we have two software systems that don't match - they don't talk to each other," Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt said.
The software package will be about a $90,000 investment.
Citizens will be able to navigate through the city's finances and look at what money was spent where, file maintenance complaints, track work orders and request service from the police department and public works.
"You will be able to do just about anything on it," Casebolt said. "It will be a lot more user friendly."
More transparency in government spending has been a goal of this council, but they needed funds to implement a new system, Casebolt said.
The new system is anticipated to be running by Sept. 1.
Council also condemned two troubled properties.
The foreclosed Manor Court apartment complex located at 1230 Main Ave. has plagued Nitro for years, Casebolt said.
"It is just something that needs to be torn down," Casebolt said. "They used to be really nice apartments."
The complex has 12 apartment units, with one family currently residing there. The city will contact the bank that owns the property to begin the process, Casebolt said.
Casebolt is hopeful the owners might build a new complex with townhomes.
The dilapidated house at 3904 Ninth Street also is beyond repair, Casebolt said.
The city will contact property owners to move forward.
In other business, council:
n Approved Triad Engineering to complete a drainage study in the east end of Nitro to address continued flooding issues
n Approved funding to place portable toilets at the Nitro boat ramp through November
n Announced early voting for Nitro city elections at City Hall May 25 to June 4, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
n Announced the Nitro Historical Museum Open House featuring former Major League Baseball umpire Larry Barnett, May 21, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.