Rolling Meadows contemplates online-only newsletter

Rolling Meadows city officials again are weighing how far is too far to cut costs, by asking residents if they read the city’s newsletter, and if so, would they be willing to visit the city’s website instead of getting a printed copy.

News & Views is printed six times per year and mailed out with residents’ water bills. The newsletter used to be monthly, but was cut down to bimonthly due to costs, to the chagrin of more than 100 residents who called City Hall to complain, Acting City Manager Barry Krumstok said.

In an effort to find out who is reading it and the medium through which they would read it, residents will be given a survey that is tentatively set to arrive with resident’s March/April water bills. Extra surveys will be available at city hall, public works, the senior center and at the library.

The survey is expected to ask if the resident is reading the newsletter and if they still want a printed newsletter sent to their house. If the resident does not want to receive the newsletter, they will be removed from the mailing list.

The survey is also expected to ask if residents who want a hard copy would be willing to pick one up at city hall, public works, the senior center of the library — if the city quit sending them out entirely.

The city council will make a decision after the survey results are returned. Any changes will be implemented in late fall or early winter.