Pennington County unveils beta of redesigned website and searchable document center

Pennington County marketing manager Cody Wiseman presented a near-final beta of a redesigned county website and a new document center intended to improve public access to agendas, minutes, departmental documents and online forms. The preview showed a site search, a mega-menu for easier navigation, a news section for press releases, an events calendar and an opt-in county newsletter the county expects to begin sending in spring 2026.

The document center replicates and indexes documents from the old site while adding search filters and email subscription options for folders (e.g., equalization materials). Wiseman demonstrated search modes (any word vs. exact phrase) and how users can subscribe to folder updates so they receive notifications when departments upload new documents. He also highlighted plans to digitize common forms (building permits, assessment appeals) to allow online submission and improve customer service.

Commissioners recommended targeted beta testing, suggested specific additions (clear instructions and forms for assessment appeals), and asked that department heads prioritize content sign-off. Wiseman said the site could go live in the next few weeks pending final department approvals and invited commissioners to provide three-person beta-testing samples to evaluate navigation and search results.

The preview highlighted a transparency goal tied to other items discussed at the meeting, including code enforcement and the HR compensation materials that commissioners said should be posted for public review prior to decisions.