When I campaigned for La Plata County treasurer, I spoke about improving efficiency and effectiveness. I have been on the job for four months and want to update you on our tax payment processing. Currently, payments are processed manually. I go to the Durango Post Office every day to pick up your checks. Then, my staff opens all of these envelopes, carefully noting the postmark, and enters your payment into an accounting system. The postmark is critical, as we are backlogged by three weeks. And we will not charge anyone interest who has gotten their payment postmarked on time. Right now, there is a flurry of activity in the treasurer’s office: phones ringing, people coming in and paper everywhere! All this is about to change.
Recently, I closed my office for two days while we analyzed our current process and came up with solutions on how we could eliminate waste. First, we changed our definition of who our customer is. It is no longer just the person who comes in to make a payment; it is all of you. I also “benchmarked” our process with those of other Colorado county treasurers. I only looked at those treasurers’ offices that use the same technology platforms and software I have in my office. My new goal is to have your tax payment processed within hours of receipt, rather than the current three weeks. From three weeks to two hours! Imagine! We are implementing this change right now.
We will be using our banking services differently and our accounting software differently. And this also means a change for you. Soon, you will be sending your checks directly to the bank, rather than to my office. More to come on that. You won’t have to make that phone call to me anymore, wondering where your check is. You will know. It will clear the bank the same day it is received. In my next letter, I will let you know how we will be using this new found time to provide more value to all the residents of La Plata County.
Allison Morrissey
Durango
