News editor
The state budget ax is about to come down on vehicle owners, as the Kansas Department of Revenue will cease mailing tag renewal forms to motorists in July.
County treasurer Jeannine Bateman relayed that news to county commissioners Monday.
“That will save them $561,996,” she said.
“Tell me they’re not going to require the counties to do it,” Commissioner Dan Holub said.
Instead of forms, owners will receive a postcard with a website address where they can go to print their registration forms themselves, Bateman said. The postcard will include a phone number people can call to request registration forms be sent. Bateman expressed skepticism for that option.
“I know we have trouble getting through to the state, and we have a treasurers-only line,” Bateman said.
Commissioner Lori Lalouette was concerned about constituents without online access, or those who use cell phones for access without having printers.
“What if someone doesn’t have Internet access? We have so many elderly people who don’t do that,” she said.
“They’re sure all the public libraries would be happy to help,” Bateman said. “It is going to bog things down in my office, because people will come in with nothing, or they’ll be calling.”
Registration mailings will cease for the July renewals, which includes last names beginning with J, K, and L.
“That’s me,” Lalouette said. “I’ll have to report on it.”
“Let me know how it goes,” Bateman said.