Earlier today, TLS published a letter from a resident who had an issue with a payment at the Township building.
TLS spoke with Township officials who clarified that the issue was not a Township issue, but rather a MVC issue – related to a service the Township offers as a service.
Earlier this year, TLS first reported about the kiosks installed at the Municipal Building. Those kiosks, three of them, are now functional, and are in fact integrated with Township office systems. For example, by typing in your tax information on the screen, you will be able to see how much you owe, and make a payment via the kiosk.
Customers can pay for nearly every service transaction using cash, check, or credit and debit cards, and those paying cash can do so for free without any fees. Customers will then immediately receive a receipt printed, emailed, or texted.
In addition, the Township recently rolled out the ability for residents to order birth and death certificates on the Township’s website, without needing to come in.
“Lakewood is always looking for new ways to improve service for all our residents, including those who pay in person due to preference or need,” said Menashe Miller, Deputy Mayor. These kiosks will provide more options for customers to pay their bills how they want, and when they want. We’re partnering with CityBase because their technology is simple to use, and they share our commitment to customer service.”
The kiosks were beta tested during the 3rd quarter tax collection, and over $90,000 was collected during the initial rollout period. Lakewood’s goal is to grow the use of the kiosks by residents and explore other items that can be paid via the kiosks.
“According to CityBase kiosk usage data, the average kiosk transaction takes under a minute to complete, which helps eliminate lines and reduce foot traffic in public buildings. This is also a big help for us in the turn over of parking spaces in the municipal lot,” said Patrick Donnelly, Municipal Manager.
Wow! That’s fantastic. I don’t see the article this responds to?
Wow, way to go Lakewood Township.
Thank You! And sorry for rushing to judge you based on the previous letter.
One Lakewood resident told reporters today that he would never order a death cerificate online, because, “I found out that an acquaintance of mine, who passed away several years ago, ordered HIS death certificate online just yesterday.”
“I knew it must be hackers who ordered the death certificate, and not him,” the Lakewood resident said, “because my deceased aquaintance never ordered anything online – and as far as I know, he still keeps up that practice.”
Attempts by reporters to reach the deceased individual for comment proved unsuccessful. Relatives of the deceased told reporters that they too have been unable to reach him. They said he hasn’t answered his cell phone “in quite some time.”
“He always was a hermit,” one of his relatives conceded, “the problem is, now he has completey gone into hiding.”
“However, I believe he’ll show up soon,” the relative asserted, “as soon as he hears the sound of that glorious shofar, which, I’m told, will be any moment now.”
I’m pretty sure he voted on Tuesday.