"McMillan making good on pledges - License collector improving city office"

During his enthusiastic citywide campaign for license collector, Mike McMillan promised to make transactions between his office, business owners and citizens more convenient.

During his first 100 days in office, McMillan is making good on that pledge. The man who collects the cash is making it easier to make payments.

McMillan told the American he is “providing better customer service, improving technology and further professionalizing our office.”

McMillan says he is “enjoying the challenge” of being license collector and wants to tell the citizens of St. Louis “how much I appreciate the opportunity and feel fortunate to be here.”

“We are going to continue to improve this office on their behalf,” McMillan said.

A major improvement is that the license collector’s office now accepts credit cards and debit cards.

“Businesses are forgoing cash in favor of credit and debit card payments, because of the convenience,” McMillan said.

In addition, McMillan has also updated the office’s web site (http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/license/) to now include downloadable forms for business license applicants.

Another function of the license collector’s office is monitoring fraudulent and/or unlicensed businesses. McMillan is increasing the number of site inspections by the field service unit in his office.

“They are active throughout the city every day,” he said. Also, McMillan explained that some businesses might not have proper licensing because they honestly didn’t know one was required.

Other improvements include:

• Initiating an electronic storage system that scans paper records into an electronic database that will make office operations more efficient and effective.

• Introduction of a “proven” electronic bookkeeping and a cash management system to reduce manual processes and save time for the consumer.

• Conducting a personnel classification analysis of office staff to ensure the efficient application of personnel.

• Establishment of a fraud hotline, (314) 641-8400, to provide a resource for citizens to report businesses that are operating illegally.

• An internship program in partnership with local universities to provide opportunities to local youth who are interested in pursuing careers in government and public service.

• Establishing a personnel committee to revise acceptable customer service, office appearance and decorum standards.

An ATM machine in the office in the next 30 days.

“In addition, we have instituted an employee recognition program to compliment the performance of high-achieving staff members,” McMillan said.

McMillan said his agenda for the next 100 days includes launching several other initiatives “that are all aimed at serving the citizens of St. Louis better.”

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