Erie County Clerk
Press Releases

08/17/07

Erie County Clerk Unveils Innovative Plan to Earn Erie County Up To $1.2 Million Dollars

Sets Up Web Poll for Taxpayers to Recommend How Money Should be Spent

Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul has devised a new plan to stop the flow of $1.2 million that Erie County is needlessly losing to Albany when drivers renew their automobile registrations on-line or mail the renewal to Albany. "Beginning today, customers can go the Erie County Clerk's Office website (www.erie.gov/clerk) and click the "JUST MAIL IT" tab. Due to NYS DMV restrictions, customers can not actually renew on-line on our site. However, anyone who wants to help keep a share of the money in Erie County, can simply fill in their name, address and e-mail address, we will mail them an alternative green envelope with postage paid to send the renewal form and check back directly to the Erie County Clerk. We will even pick up the cost of the 41 cent stamp to encourage residents to send it directly to our office, rather than sending 100% of the fee to Albany," said Hochul.

In addition, participants will be able to fill out a web-poll on-line indicating their priorities in spending the new-found money, if enough people take the step to renew through the County.

"As a watchdog of taxpayer dollars, I am constantly striving to find new ways to look out for our residents, and this is one way we can help ourselves." Under the Hochul initiative, residents will save postage, and save time, while helping to bring much-needed money into the County.

Hochul also reminded motorists that they still have the option of dropping the renewal and check in a green envelope provided at one of the green "Just Drop It" Mailboxes in the lobby of the Rath Building, Old County Hall, in the basement of Buffalo City Hall, or at one of the 7 Auto Bureau locations or 5 mobile sites. Either way, Erie County Auto Bureau staff will process the renewal in 3-4 days.

"Just think of how Erie County could use an additional $1.2 million in revenues. I want to hear from the community, and then share their ideas with the Legislature and County Executive,"said Hochul.

For more information residents can go to the Erie County Clerk's website at www.erie.gov/clerk .