What Sets Munibit Apart from other Municipal Websites

Many towns waste money on website vendors that are not built for them. Munibit offers everything a municipality needs (modern design, ADA compliance, built-in tools, and full support) at a price that makes sense for small budgets.

 

The Problem with “One-Size-Fits-All” Website Vendors

Municipal websites are not like business websites. They need to follow accessibility rules, host public records, manage payments, and serve as a 24/7 digital town hall. Yet, many vendors try to fit municipal clients into generic templates that just don’t work.

Let’s look at the three most common vendor types municipalities often choose, and why Munibit takes a better approach.

1. The Big Vendor Trap

Large website companies often look impressive at first glance. They might have slick presentations, long client lists, and polished sales pitches. But once you dig deeper, their model doesn’t always fit small-town realities.

Big vendors typically:

  • Charge large design and setup fees upfront

  • Lock you into long-term contracts with expensive renewals

  • Move slowly when you need updates or support

  • Use outdated or overly complex technology

For small towns that work with limited budgets and staff, that model can feel like buying a luxury car when all you need is a reliable truck. You end up paying for features you do not use and waiting months for simple updates.

Munibit, on the other hand, was designed for towns that want modern technology without the long-term financial burden. Our websites start at only $99/month, include full setup and design, and can be updated easily by clerks and staff in seconds.

2. The Add-On Widget Illusion

Many towns install ADA “compliance widgets” on their site and assume that means they’re covered. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Compliance widgets are add-ons that sit on top of your website. They might fix small issues, like changing contrast or adjusting text size, but they do not address deeper accessibility standards.

Accessibility is about structure: headings, alt text, keyboard navigation, proper coding, and screen reader compatibility. These must be built into the website itself, not added later as a patch.

With new federal rules requiring WCAG 2.1 AA compliance by 2026–2027, relying on widgets alone could leave your municipality exposed to risk.

Munibit’s platform is built with accessibility at its core. Every site is built with WCAG 2.1 AA standards from the ground up… no plugins or workarounds required.

3. The Local or Custom Developer Challenge

Working with a local designer or freelance developer can sound appealing. They’re nearby, affordable at first, and you can meet in person. But most local or custom vendors simply do not specialize in municipal websites.

That matters more than it might seem. Municipal sites require specific layouts, tools, and compliance features that general web developers rarely understand. Things like:

  • Posting agendas and minutes correctly

  • Managing ordinances and notices

  • Building ADA-compliant forms

  • Handling online payments securely

  • Organizing documents by year and type

You might end up with a beautiful design that looks great, but fails to meet government standards or is impossible for staff to manage over time.

Munibit was built specifically for municipalities. We’ve worked with hundreds of towns and understand exactly what tools clerks and administrators need day to day. Our platform handles compliance, payments, forms, reservations, document management, event calendars, directories, and more, all in one place.

Why Munibit Is Different

When you use Munibit, you’re not getting a one-size-fits-all website or a stack of add-ons. You’re getting a complete solution built by people who understand local government.

  • Designed for small-town budgets with simple monthly pricing

  • Built-in accessibility and compliance

  • No long-term contracts or hidden fees

  • Easy editing tools for clerks and staff

  • Reliable support from a team that works exclusively with municipalities

Our mission is to make modern, compliant websites affordable and easy to maintain for every municipality, no matter its size or resources.

Final Thoughts

Your municipal website should make life easier, not harder. It should save staff time, serve residents better, and meet all legal requirements without adding stress or surprise costs.

That’s what Munibit delivers. We’re proud to support local governments with technology that works as hard as they do.

If you’re ready to see what a purpose-built municipal website can do for your town, schedule a demo today at www.munibit.com/schedule-demo

Affordable. Accessible. Built for Municipalities.

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The Hidden Costs of an Outdated Municipal Website