SUMTER COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Try to reach a municipal government department on a holiday or after “normal business hours” and more likely than not, you’re going to get a recorded message. It can be very frustrating when you have questions but can’t take time during work hours to seek answers.

Over the holiday weekend, Sumter County did something to solve that dilemma for its residents.

Starting last Sunday, Jan. 14, Sumter County is providing access to its Citizens Information Center (CIC) 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

This means Sumter County residents will be able to speak to a county representative anytime when you’re trying to get information.

Sumter County says its CIC fielded nearly 96,000 calls last fiscal year with 97% of calls answered within 15 seconds.

“The CIC utilizes the county’s customer service ticketing platform to manage citizen interactions, manage and improve customer support processes, and prioritize service requests,” said Jacquelynn Martin, manager of the Emergency Communications Center.

The CIC answers for and provides assistance on behalf of nearly 30 county agencies and departments, and after hours for local municipalities within Sumter County.

“We look forward to launching this round-the-clock operation at our Citizen Information Center,” said Stephen Kennedy, Assistant County Administrator. “This expansion will also bolster our Emergency Communications Center 911 operations through more efficient resource coordination and non-emergency needs.”

There’s no guarantee the call-takers will be able to answer all questions. But at least you’ll speak to a real person who works for the county and can help get you to the person who can ultimately help you.

The number to the Sumter County Citizens Information Center is 352-689-4400.

Last October, the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners also launched a Facebook page for residents to receive information directly from the county. The county also recently launched a YouTube channel and plans to also add LinkedIn to the way it communicates and interacts with residents.