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Treasurer says vendor change for online renewals caused mailing errors but CARS system cut in-person backlog
Summary
The treasurer told commissioners a vendor change for online renewals moved processing off the county system and led to some mis-mailed renewals; the county's adoption of the CARS system and dealer title workflows cut service backlog from about a month to roughly four days.
The county treasurer's office briefed Flathead County commissioners on May 11 about operational changes that affect vehicle registration and title workflows.
Treasurer staff explained the state contracted the online-renewal process to an external vendor (referred to in the presentation as the new "v2" vendor and a renewal mailer), which means renewals no longer flow through the county's nightly download. The change has improved some processing steps but produced mailing mistakes in early runs (renewals without tabs or lost mailings), requiring the county office to issue replacement tabs and handle customer follow-up.
"They were sending out the renewals without the tabs or the renewals got lost," the treasurer's office said, adding staff now handle replacement mailings and customer inquiries. Commissioners asked if the online step still required a county office visit; treasurer staff said dealers can now input transactions and complete title transfers without bringing customers into the office in many cases.
Treasurer staff also credited the statewide CARS program and enhanced dealer workflows for eliminating long lines and reducing a prior backlog. Where the office used to pull numbers and limit daily transactions during busy periods, staff reported the backlog is now roughly four to five days rather than a month.
Commissioners discussed investment options and the liquidity of the State Investment Pool (STIP) versus local bank products; treasurer staff said STIP is highly liquid and often preferable when funds need same-day availability.
No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational.
