Letter to the editor

  • Apr 18, 2002

This is in response to an FCW.com poll question April 1-12 that asked: Outside of work, have you ever conducted an online transaction with a federal, state or local agency?

I was able to successfully renew a vehicle registration with the state of Florida. The only sticking point for me was that there was a $3 surcharge for using the Web renewal.

I realize the software and engineering of the site had a cost (the transaction appears to be handled by a private vendor, Compaq Computer Corp.), but it seems the state's costs should be included in the basic fee.

Because the Web renewal appears to be the more efficient and paper-free transaction -- along with being the more desirable choice to encourage in order to save state employees' time and costs -- it seems counterproductive and counterintuitive to charge an additional fee.

I recognize that the new system has costs, but they should be subsidized through adding fees to those who generate the higher-cost transaction -- mailing renewal forms and checks.

Richard Williams Gainesville, Fla., Fire Rescue

WRITE US

We welcome your comments. To send a letter to the editor, use this form.

Please check out the archive of Letters to the Editor for fellow readers' comments.

Featured

  • Workforce
    online collaboration (elenabsl/Shutterstock.com)

    Federal employee job satisfaction climbed during pandemic

    The survey documents the rapid change to teleworking postures in government under the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Workforce
    By Mark Van Scyoc Royalty-free stock photo ID: 285175268

    OPM nominee plans focus on telework, IT, retirement

    Kiran Ahuja, a veteran of the Office of Personnel Management, told lawmakers that she thinks that the lack of consistent leadership in the top position at OPM has taken a toll on the ability of the agency to complete longer term IT modernization projects.

Stay Connected