What is TextMyGov?

On October 21, 2024, the Town of Saugerties and Village of Saugerties announced its deployment of TextMyGov.  With this solution, we are trying to further improve communications between our various government offices and you, the people who live in Saugerties*.  There are 2 main benefits that TextMyGov offers:

• Without any sign-up, you can simply send a brief text to the Saugerties TextMyGov number (845-681-6110).  (Hot Tip: send 1 or 2 key words about the information you're looking for, (for example, if you have brush you want to dispose of, simply text "brush".  You'll receive a response, no matter what time of the day or day of the week you send the text.  Be brief - no long descriptions necessary.
• For anyone who wants to be on top of any messages (so called "alerts" or "notifications") that Saugerties officials feel are important enough to send direct to your phone, you can sign up (text SAUGERTIES to 91896 (a special Saugerties' SMS short code that's been set up) to be on the list of cell phones to receive the messages.

As we try out this technology, we checked to be sure that a) it is simple for you to use (we're all familiar to some degree with using cell phones as part of our daily lives) and b) that you always have the option to opt out, if you feel that's right for you.

The 2 images below explain the 2 information flows and how easy it is to get answers to questions (without any sign-up), and to get additional benefit out of TextMyGov by signing up for Town/Village notifications.  (No inundation ... figure you'll receive 15 to 20 notifications in an average year ... but they will be messages that keep you aware of important items.)

FLOW #1 - YOU ---> GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

TextMyGov adds to all the ways in which you can get in touch with Saugerties Town or Village officials (phone, website, email, attending meetings, etc.).

This could involve you asking a question, or it can be reporting on something (e.g. a water main break, a telephone pole light out, a traffic light outage, ...).

All you need to do is text a few words to the Saugerties phone number (845-681-6110).  No special registration required.  Let TextMyGov know what you're after, ideally starting with a few key words.  Or report an issue, with a quick message such as "water main break" or "light out", or a brief problem description in your own words.

Here is a helpful summary of this flow -- you texting Saugerties.  Keep in mind that there is no sign-up or opt-in required for this flow ... anyone at any time can ask a question in this way, and hopefully get a helpful response.  24 hours a day,  days a week.

Visit: textmygov.com/opt-in-terms-conditions to view terms and privacy policy info.
Msg. and Data rates apply.  Msg. frequency varies.  Text STOP at any time to opt out.

FLOW #2 - GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ---> YOU

We call these "alerts" or "notifications".

The Town and Village will send these texts as they happen ... in situations where we need citizens to be aware, for example, of a traffic area in Saugerties to avoid.   Or for a heads-up such as the occasional fire hydrant flushing (that may roil your water).  Or for an unplanned cancellation or rescheduling of a meeting or event.  And for any number of important planned or unplanned situations where quick communication is most helpful.

To ensure you're aware of these announcements from the Town and Village, you'll simply need to opt-in to notifications by texting "SAUGERTIES" to 91896.

Here is a helpful summary of this flow -- where you enable Saugerties to text you!

What to expect:

• After the initial keyword is sent, you will receive a confirmation message asking you to reply YES to verify opt-in.
• You may receive multiple text messages per month.
• Message and data rates may apply.  Check with your carrier for more details.
• You can text STOP at any time to remove yourself from the notification list.

View terms and privacy policy information at: textmygov.com/opt-in-terms-conditions

Documents

• PDF of the "Find Information and Report Issues" poster (part of Flow 1)
• PDF of the "Text Alerts" poster (part of Flow 2)
• October 21, 2024 TextMyGov Press Release (corrected phone number)

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* TextMyGov is aimed at optimizing communications between the Saugerties governments and Saugerties citizens ... but this option is open to anyone, regardless of whether they live in Saugerties or not.  At a minimum, this can offer you text notifications about the many events we have going on in our Village and Town.