To The Editor...

These days we have Jetson-like gadgets that listen, understand and respond with instructions to light switches and coffee pots! I personally don’t own either a Roomba or an Alexa, but I am in awe of their magic. Last week I stepped into a far-fetched (for me anyway) universe more astonishing than any I have imagined. It was so because of technology.

The universe I am referring to is one that simplified a task I will no longer dread. Last week I shared my woes with renewing car tags and how transformative the ability to do so online can be!

Our county collector Marcia Tackett shared the following behind the scenes info that contributed to seamless renewal.

*The link - ripleycountycollector.com - takes you to a site full of info. It isn’t only for paying taxes. Businesses can also pay commercial license fees and utility and railroad taxes.

*Tackett started the website in October 2020. On-line credit card payments that year totaled $41,839.86 and e-checks amounted to $48,592.20. In 2021 those numbers jumped to $98,413.12 and $138,081.42 respectively. I’d say it’s catching on. Standing in line is now by choice. There is also the option of utilizing the drive-thru dropbox in front of the courthouse if you prefer not using the technology.

*Every evening Marcia downloads personal property tax receipts to the Missouri Department of Revenue. That’s the receipt that worried me - either keeping up with it or wondering where it got off to. Marcia doesn’t understand why a collector would not do that, but she is among those who do, making the renewal chore a matter of minutes.

*The Doniphan License Bureau can check if a resident is up to date on fees if anyone prefers going in person at plate renewal time. No need to fret, because you can see it too by checking your status on the state’s website: dor.mo.gov. (I’ve always been treated in a friendly, respectful way at our local bureau. Difficulties there have all been my doing.)

*My renewal notice outlined the on-line process. (1) My postcard had a PIN. (2) It included an easy way to see I had paid my personal property taxes. (3) Directions to pay required fees on-line. (4) A way to get a PIN if all else is in order and one was not included on the mailing.

*Proof of insurance was needed. All I did was check a box. How it was verified is a mystery. I’m way beyond having to understand this technology to use it. I’ll leave the know-how’s to elected officials like our own collector Marcia Tackett. Thank you!

Teresa Lee

Doniphan