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Story County treasurer flags scanner, phone and camera needs as title workload rises
Summary
The treasurer’s office told supervisors that increased title workload and a TCM integration problem have prompted a possible scanner purchase, phone procurement and small camera upgrades; staff reported improved ERT efficiencies that have let them process more titles without new hires.
Operations staff and the treasurer outlined equipment and operational issues at the Jan. 28 work session as the office handles a surge in motor‑vehicle title work.
Treasurer Ted Rasmussen said the office expects substantially more title transactions this year and that efficiencies from an electronic dealer submission system have helped handle the volume. “We’ll do probably 9,000 more titles than we ever have,” he said, noting the office is processing many out‑of‑county title transfers and expects to hit about $1 million in motor‑vehicle revenue this year.
Staff described a scanner integration problem after a TCM update that led to manual scanning for several months. Rasmussen said a replacement scanner would likely cost about $2,000–$2,500, though staff also noted DOT plans to require scanning into its system and may provide a scanner as part of its next technology package. Laurie McDonald said she found a two‑day workaround with TCM that reduced the need for manual VIN retyping and that she is continuing troubleshooting with TCM and county IT.
On telephones, the office explored group purchases and migration to Teams phones county‑wide. Rasmussen reported per‑unit pricing in different scenarios and that a planned bulk discount did not materialize, so the office is evaluating procurement and whether to absorb costs through reestimation. For small security upgrades, staff cited an estimate of about $100 per camera for five cameras (approximately $500) that could be absorbed in office supplies.
Supervisors and staff agreed to reestimate budget lines (notably reducing a $10,000 furniture placeholder after lower chair spending) and to monitor the scanner and phone needs ahead of potential amendments in April.
Next steps: staff will continue to pursue the TCM fix, confirm DOT equipment timing, and include any necessary reestimations or amendments in future budget paperwork.
