MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
July 20, 2009

For More Information:
John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798
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Greater Efficiencies and Customer Service Improvements Planned for Municipal Clerk’s Office

In an ongoing effort to increase efficiencies and save city resources, Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring legislation to install two kiosks in the Franklin County Municipal Clerk of Court’s office, allowing users to pay traffic fines electronically. Paley’s legislation will appropriate $16,000 from the Public Safety Initiative Fund and authorize Municipal Court Clerk Lori M. Tyack to use the money to purchase the kiosks.

Tyack also plans to work with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles later this fall to enable the kiosks to provide a more convenient way for customers to pay license reinstatement fees. The fees normally associated with using this service will be paid by the consumer, saving the city an estimated $100,000 in processing costs.

“This is another example of the City of Columbus working with our partners to find ways to streamline government and promote greater efficiencies,” said Paley, who chairs the city’s Judiciary and Court Administration Committee. “It is a smart investment that will save the city a significant amount of money.”

The kiosks will be placed in strategic locations on the second floor of the Municipal Court Building near the area where fines currently are being paid and processed.

“This new option will allow those who have license suspension issues to pay reinstatement fees, pay their court costs, and obtain their driving privileges all on the same day,” said Tyack.

Paley also emphasized that the purchase of the two kiosks will not impact the city’s beleaguered general revenue fund, which is used for day-to-day operating expenses. An earlier ordinance sponsored by Paley transferred a portion of the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax fund to pay for the kiosks.

The kiosks should be installed by October 2009.

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