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Mitchell County tag office reports steady business, plans staff expansion and new services
Summary
The county’s tag/license plate agency told commissioners it is averaging about 1,800 transactions a month, hopes to move to a new office in May, plans to expand to three full‑time staff and is seeking training to offer additional services such as certain specialty ('p') accounts and boat registrations.
The county’s license plate/tag office reported to the Board of Commissioners on April 7 that it has averaged roughly 1,800 transactions per month since the county began operating the office in December 2023, and staff said the office is preparing to move to a new location and expand services.
“It's going wonderful,” said Shannon (tag office manager), describing steady business and regular monthly audits by state staff. She told commissioners the office now serves customers from neighboring counties and has seen a single‑day revenue high around $60,000.
Why it matters
Expansion of local tag services reduces travel time and expense for county businesses and residents and keeps revenues local. The tag office also reported that, with additional state training, it could take on more specialty account work that currently requires customers to travel to larger cities.
Key points reported to the board
- Transactions and staffing: The office averages approximately 1,800 customer transactions per month; Shannon said the office expects to staff three full‑time employees after a planned move to a new office (hoping for May). That expansion, she said, should reduce customer lines.
- Training and new services: Staff requested one week of state training in Charlotte so at least one employee can process certain specialty accounts (referred to in the meeting as RFP or “p accounts”) and boat registrations and titles; these services currently require customers to travel to Asheville, Morganton or Charlotte.
- Audits and oversight: Shannon said state auditors inspect the office monthly and that the office maintains consistent audit performance.
- Notary fees: The county’s decision not to charge notary fees at the county tag office has received positive public comment, the manager said.
Board reaction and follow up
Commissioners encouraged the office to pursue the requested training “sooner than later” and asked staff to plan for a brief downtime during the physical move; Shannon estimated a one‑ or two‑day interruption was likely but had no final schedule from the county’s contractor. The board expressed appreciation for the staff’s work during the county manager’s recent medical leave.
Shannon said she will follow up on scheduling the week‑long training in Charlotte and will notify county staff of the expected move date and any short service interruptions.
