Pittsfield Township's Parks and Recreation Department is implementing an easier and more transparent way of documenting payments received by the public. Township officials on Wednesday unanimously approved the purchase of a uniform receipt software system that will enable patrons to register and pay for services online. The program costs $8,425 and requires an annual support fee of $1,500 that is subject to future increase, documents show.

Township Parks Director Dan Cooperrider said department employees currently take payments by hand and uses a cumbersome, four-page carbon copy receipt system in which multiple departments received a copy. The method worked, but was labor intensive and not as easy to track for audits.

The upgrade includes a computerized cash register system that is integrated with other township financial devices. The same program is already used by several surrounding communities, Cooperrider said.

Township Treasurer Patricia Scribner the switch is an important step to become more efficient and accountable.

"To have a uniform cash receipting system throughout the township will be beneficial. We need to increase our internal controls and promote proper cash-handling techniques that provide an audit trail," she said.

Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.