COEUR d'ALENE — To improve transparency and inform citizens who can't attend meetings, Kootenai County commissioners are now posting audio recordings of their public meetings to the county's website.

"We've never posted the audio recordings before — just the minutes," said Nancy Jones, administrator supervisor. "Some other entities have done this, and we believe it's good customer service. Hopefully this will help people out."

Recordings of the open commissioner meetings are available under the Clerk heading of the county's website at http://www.kcgov.us/departments/clerk/minutes.asp.

Audio files are anticipated to be available within three business days of the meeting date and will remain available on the site for 60 days.

"Beyond (60 days) it becomes a storage issue," Jones said.

Audio recordings have previously been available through public request forms and, since such requests have increased, the office figured it would be easier to make them available to all citizens. For those who do not have Internet access, audio recordings can still be requested.

If citizens want to hear a recording older than 60 days, they can still request it. All audio files are archived for two years.

"With this addition to our website, the commissioners hope to promote transparency of government and increase public awareness and interest in the issues that affect our citizens," a press release states.

Those with questions can call 446-1600 or email [email protected].