Spending to go public; City's check register to be posted online.

• Position: NEWS

Byline: Nick Kotsopoulos

WORCESTER - In an unprecedented move, the city will soon post its check register online, giving the public more of an opportunity to see how local tax dollars are being spent.

City Manager Michael V. O'Brien said the online check register will be available for public viewing on the city's website (www.worcesterma.gov) beginning next month.

He said residents will be able to search the register by vendor name, account type, or check date range.

Mr. O'Brien said Worcester will become the first municipality in the state to post its check register online.

Results will display a check number, date of check issuance, vendor name, amount and account description, he said.

Payment history would be displayed for 180 days.

Councilor-at-Large Konstantina B. Lukes has been pushing for this as a way to increase transparency on how local tax dollars are spent.

"I want to recognize the leadership of the City Council for bringing forth this request, as well as the city's Technical Services Division and the treasurer and tax collector's office for their expertise in developing an application that will ultimately provide for greater transparency and accountability...