Town tests automated phone assistant to streamline resident inquiries

Interlaken staff demonstrated a new automated phone assistant during the May 5 council meeting that answers routine inquiries using content uploaded from the town website.

The demo played sample prompts and responses, including the assistant identifying the town mayor and summarizing municipal code topics. Staff said the assistant will not ‘look outside’ the uploaded content and cannot take actions like calling officials; it only provides information that the town uploads. The basic plan costs $15 per month with a small number of interactions included; a higher tier increases included interactions and monthly cost.

Council members said the technology could free staff time for higher‑value tasks and discussed a short tutorial so callers know how to ask questions. Staff also said the administrator can adjust the greeting and add a brief explanation that the assistant can answer simple questions or allow callers to leave voice messages.