Manatee County tax collector's office wins state award for excellence

Times are tight so saving money is important, especially when it comes to ever-shrinking tax revenues.

Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Sterling council recognized the Manatee County tax collector's office for using technology to shrink costs by more than $800,000 since 2007.

“I am honored to recognize this year’s Sterling Award recipients,”  Scott said.  “These winners are shining examples of how organizations can achieve great savings and deliver outstanding services to Floridians by focusing on efficiency, innovation and excellence.”

Through better use of technology, the office not only reduced its total operating cost by more than $800,000, but Manatee county customers also have a wait time 35 percent shorter than those at the average tax collector’s office. The organization was also the first tax collector’s office in the state to sell hunting and fishing licenses and to offer the free E-check to customers who transact business on its website.

The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation's Southern Business Center in Tampa also was recognized. In 2010, the corporation settled nearly $1.66 quadrillion in securities transactions.

Manatee County Tax Collector and The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation will be honored at the 2011 Governor's Sterling Award Banquet in June.