minfin 12-05-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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in. Assistant Director Eddy emphasized that a goal for next year is to see a more consistent work environment. She shared slides on the statistics of returns and collections from 2022, showing an increase of net collections over the last year. E-filing and e-pay was mentioned to allow taxpayers to prepare, file, and pay current year returns and quarterly estimated payments. The Finance Department's goal is to increase technology to make these tasks as user friendly as possible. Assistant Director Eddy spoke about utility billing for water and sewer. The Finance Department has seen an increase of over $2.2 million in payments through the new online payment portal. Assistant Director Eddy explained the differences between online bills versus bills through the mail. She mentioned a large increase in volume of customers at the Finance Department's Vital Statistics Registrar when the Cleveland office was closed during the pandemic. The department is figuring out if there will be a continued increase or if it will level out. Councilmember Kepple and Councilmember Bullock spoke about potentially integrating other software systems for the Finance Department such as Turbo Tax. Director Rancatore and Assistant Director Eddy explained the challenges to obtaining licensing and approvals for this. Councilmember Kepple clarified that the $2.2 million increase was related to how people are paying their bills. Director Rancatore explained that allowing residents to pay bills by credit card, adds to the variety of ways in which they may pay. Councilmember Bullock spoke about the hybrid work schedules that have occurred through the pandemic. Assistant Director Eddy explained that previously, if a Lakewood resident worked in Cleveland, tax would be withheld in Cleveland and the resident would pay Lakewood tax at a reduced rate. This has changed with the hybrid schedule because employees have worked in the office a couple days a week and at home for the rest of the week. By next year, the Finance Department is hoping that employers make a switchover to where employees are physically working to stabilize numbers. Councilmember Baker spoke with Assistant Director Eddy about the city paying for transaction fees when bills are paid using a credit card. Councilmember Baker suggested incentivizing residents to use bank drafts instead of credit cards. Director Rancatore explained that the Finance Department has worked on taking steps to better control the charges on the credit card. There is potential for a reduction of fees for next year. Chair Shachner adjourned the meeting with no objection at 7:32 PM. 5