During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the operations of the treasurer's office, particularly focusing on the Munist tax system used for processing property tax payments. The conversation highlighted the challenges faced during the current collection period, specifically in December and January, when additional temporary staff are brought in to manage the influx of payments.
A significant issue arose regarding a misapplied check from the state, which was intended for a homestead but was incorrectly credited to a rental property. This incident underscored the importance of accurate data entry within the Munist system, which tracks all billing and collection activities. Officials emphasized that all customer service division members should be proficient in using this system to prevent such errors.
The meeting also addressed the procedures in place for correcting payment application issues. It was noted that only higher-level managers and specialists are authorized to make adjustments in the system, which can often involve rectifying mistakes made by either staff or customers. The discussion revealed that property owners with multiple properties frequently complicate payment applications, necessitating clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure refunds are issued correctly.
Additionally, the customer service manager's role was examined, detailing how they handle escalated calls and interact with the public through various channels, including phone, email, and in-person visits. The meeting also revisited past incidents involving written warnings issued to staff for mismanagement, highlighting the need for improved oversight and adherence to procedures to maintain public trust and efficient operations.
Finally, the treasurer's office outlined its three-phase tax enforcement process for delinquent properties, which includes in-house collection, referral to a law firm, and potential foreclosure if necessary. This structured approach aims to manage tax delinquencies effectively while minimizing penalties for property owners.