The Town of Tryon is considering going as “paperless” as possible for town meeting information packets.
Tryon Town Council discussed Tuesday, Jan. 18 council members receiving monthly packets via e-mail instead of picking up printed packets.
The town is considering purchasing either laptops or a device such as an iPad to receive and view monthly packets for meetings.
Tryon Town Manager Justin Hembree said he estimates that with printing and employee time, the town probably spends between $4,000 and $5,000 per year on monthly packets, not including large budget packets.
Council members said they are in favor of the idea and hope that going paperless for meetings could set an example for the rest of town employees.
Hembree said other local governments that receive data through a laptop or other device are given the option at the end of their elected terms to either turn in the device or purchase it at its depreciated value.
Town officials said if the town goes paperless for agenda packets, copies will still be available for residents who request them at town hall. Residents may also opt to request agendas via e-mail.
Hembree plans to research costs of devices for council.