The city of Suffolk is trying out a new tactic for communicating with its citizens — an e-newsletter.

“City Council and Administration are committed to keeping citizens informed,” said Debbie George, spokeswoman for the city. “We are always searching for better and more efficient ways to do just that.”

Sign-up for the e-newsletter began this month, and the first edition was sent this week. The July newsletter touts the city’s new Web streaming service, introduces subscribers to the new chief of police, advertises the National Night Out celebration coming on Aug. 4 and informs residents of the new bulk refuse pick-up fees.

“We recognize that people are busy, and they communicate and receive information differently than they did a few years ago,” George said. “We are confident that some of the new services offered, such as the community e-newsletter and web streaming feature, will allow our citizens to stay up to date on what is going on in their city.”

On Thursday, about 20 people had signed up to receive the newsletter, George said. Many of them were city employees, but she expected more residents to sign up as word spread about the e-newsletter.

To sign up to receive the e-newsletter, visit www.suffolk.va.us and enter your e-mail address in the yellow box at the bottom of the page.