Florida Tax Office Brings Printing In-house

When the vendor that had been printing automobile vehicle registrations for Pasco County (Florida) residents mistakenly sent the personal information of nearly 2,000 car owners to the wrong people, it was the last straw for Tax Collector Mike Fasano. He told the Tampa Tribune in April, “We’re bringing all of the printing services in-house beginning next month.”

True to his word, Fasano has done exactly that. All of the tax bills, auto/truck/vessel registration renewals, mobile home tag renewals and other tax forms are now being printed by the seven employees in his Support Services department using a Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C9280. The department also produces internal documents, such as training materials, along with promotional items for local charities, which are inserted into monthly renewal mailings.

The idea for the latter program came to Fasano soon after he took office. He wanted to support local charities by using the in-plant to print their promotional materials. He also considered bringing renewal mailings in-house.

“When the security breach occurred, it was the catalyst,” says Greg Giordana, director of customer relations for the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office. “In a place like ours where we have people’s sensitive personal information, that should never be broadcast. That’s got to be protected.”

Support Services employees keep careful watch when printing renewals and tax forms, pulling pieces frequently to make sure the information matches the address. The shop is also outfitted with assorted folding, cutting and mailing systems.

In addition to the improved security of information, the Tax Collector’s Office has seen many other benefits, since bringing all this work in-house.

“That kind of in-house printing is saving us an enormous amount of money,” notes Giordano.

It’s also brought more convenience, since finished jobs are available immediately.

“We don’t have to worry about driving somewhere to pick it up,” he remarks. “Turnaround time is significantly reduced.”

The move to in-house printing has been so successful, Giordano hopes to expand the operation.

“In time, it’s our hope that other offices will come to us and ask if they also can utilize our services,” he says.