Privacy Policy
Effective Date: March 18, 2025
Welcome to the official website of the City of Lewistown, Illinois. Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting any personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website.
1. Information We Collect
When you interact with our website, we may collect the following types of information:
A. Personal Information
We only collect personal information when you voluntarily provide it, such as:
- Name, email address, and phone number (e.g., when submitting forms or inquiries).
- Billing or payment information (for online services, such as water bill payments).
- Address or location details (when registering for city services).
B. Non-Personal Information
We automatically collect certain non-personal information when you visit our website, such as:
- IP address, browser type, and device information.
- Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns.
- Cookies and tracking technologies (see Section 5 for details).
2. How We Use Your Information
The City of Lewistown may use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To provide and improve city services.
- To process payments for utility services, permits, or other municipal transactions.
- To respond to inquiries, requests, or feedback.
- To send important updates, such as emergency notifications or city announcements.
- To analyze website usage and improve user experience.
We do not sell, trade, or rent personal information to third parties.
3. How We Protect Your Information
We implement security measures to protect your information, including:
✔ Secure Data Storage – Personal data is stored securely and only accessible by authorized personnel.
✔ Encryption – Online payments and sensitive data are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
✔ Access Controls – Internal systems have security protocols to limit data access.
While we strive to protect your information, no online data transmission is 100% secure. We encourage users to take precautions when sharing personal details online.
4. Sharing of Information
The City of Lewistown may share information only in the following circumstances:
- Legal Compliance: If required by law, such as responding to a subpoena, court order, or government request.
- Third-Party Service Providers: To process payments, manage email communications, or host certain website features (these providers are required to protect your information).
We do not share information for marketing purposes.
5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:
- Analyze website traffic and trends.
- Remember user preferences for future visits.
- Improve website functionality.
Users can adjust their browser settings to refuse or delete cookies at any time.
6. External Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, such as government agencies, local businesses, or other municipal services. The City of Lewistown is not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. We encourage users to review their privacy policies before sharing information.
7. Children’s Privacy
Our website is intended for general use and does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal data without parental consent, please contact us to remove the information.
8. Your Privacy Rights & Choices
You have the right to:
✔ Request access to personal data we hold about you.
✔ Update or correct inaccuracies in your information.
✔ Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and operational requirements).
To exercise your rights, please contact us using the information below.
9. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated Effective Date. Continued use of our website constitutes acceptance of these changes.
10. Contact Us
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact:
? City of Lewistown, IL
? Phone: (309) 547-4300
? Email: lewistownclerk@comcast.net
? Address: 119 S. Adams St., Lewistown, IL 61542
Thank you for visiting the City of Lewistown website. We are committed to protecting your privacy and providing a safe, transparent online experience.