The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office Gives Inside Look at Organization in New Podcast series in English and Spanish

Tampa, FL – April 11, 2024 —Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan is proud to launch a new podcast series, “Conversations with Nancy,” designed to engage and inform residents about the services and innovations of the Tax Collector’s Office. This exciting podcast features Tax Collector Nancy Millan and special guests, offering valuable insights and answering frequently asked questions from the community to streamline services and enhance the overall experience with the office.

“Conversations with Nancy” seeks to bridge the gap between the Tax Collector’s Office and the community by providing a platform for open dialogue and transparent communication. By addressing common questions and concerns, the podcast aims to empower listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate services efficiently and effectively. Throughout the month of April, a new episode will be released every Thursday. Each episode is about ten minutes long, hosted by Grayson Kamm (English) and Cristy Balderrama (Spanish), produced in collaboration with Carlos Bohorquez and Audio Visual Group LLC.

“I am thrilled to launch ‘Conversations with Nancy’ and share the exciting changes happening within our office,” said Millan. “Many residents may not realize the convenience and efficiency of our services, including the use of technology to streamline transactions. This podcast serves as another avenue for us to connect with the community, address misconceptions, and provide customers with valuable insights, ensuring they are well informed about Tax Collector services.”

The podcast will premiere on Thursday, April 11, 2024, with episodes available in both English and Spanish. “Conversations with Nancy” can be seen on the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s YouTube (https://youtu.be/rbeckz2TRD4) and heard on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1ovBUUfOJPJmd8cEpdQPaE?si=d3384d541d214e7d).

Listeners are invited to discover how the Tax Collector’s Office is embracing innovation to deliver amazing service experiences.

Media seeking more information on the podcast, or for an interview with Tax Collector Nancy Millan can reach out to Tory Davis at [email protected] or the Communications & Community Relations team at [email protected].

About Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office:

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for collecting and distributing local property, tangible, business, and tourist development taxes. In addition, as an agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, they provide motor vehicle, vessel and mobile home titles and registrations, issue disabled parking permits, issue driver licenses and ID cards, and administer written tests and road tests. They also collect tolls and clear toll violations as part of motor vehicle transactions.

Additionally, they partner with other state and local government agencies to issue certified copies of Florida birth certificates and to provide concealed weapons permits, vehicle for hire permits, and hunting and fishing licenses.

The taxes and fees we collect are distributed in accordance with Florida Statute to the appropriate agency or municipality to fund vital services at the state and local levels.

For more information about the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, visit their website at hillstax.org.

 

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE WINS 2024 TOP WORKPLACES NATIONAL CULTURE EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR INNOVATION AND PURPOSE & VALUES

Tampa, FL – [April 10, 2024] – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office proudly announces its recognition as a recipient of two prestigious 2024 Top Workplaces National Culture Excellence Awards for Innovation and Purpose & Values. This esteemed honor celebrates organizations that exemplify outstanding workplace cultures.  This is the third year in a row the office has been recognized with culture excellence awards from Top Workplaces.

The Innovation Award acknowledges organizations that foster a culture of creativity and idea generation, where innovation thrives at every level of the organization. The Purpose & Values Award celebrates companies that integrate their mission and values into their cultural fabric, demonstrating efficiency and commitment to realizing their core principles.

Receiving these accolades highlights the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s dedication to cultivating an environment where employees are empowered to contribute fresh perspectives and ideas, driving continuous improvement and growth. Through a commitment to innovation and steadfast dedication to its mission and values, the office has solidified its position as a leader in workplace excellence.

Tax Collector Nancy Millan expressed her pride in the organization’s achievements, stating, “We are honored to receive these 2024 Top Workplaces National Culture Excellence Awards. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, who consistently foster a culture of innovation and upholding our core values, which in turn, shines through in the amazing service we provide to our community.”

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Since becoming Hillsborough County Tax Collector in 2021, Millan has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation by implementing processes aimed at enhancing the community’s experience with the office, including the expansion of online and kiosk services, the introduction of language translation technology, express title services with same day pick up, and many other initiatives.

Media seeking more information on the Top Workplaces Awards, or for an interview with Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan can reach out to Tory Davis at [email protected] or the Communications & Community Relations team at [email protected].

About Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office:

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for collecting and distributing local property, tangible, business, and tourist development taxes. In addition, as an agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, they provide motor vehicle, vessel and mobile home titles and registrations, issue disabled parking permits, issue driver licenses and ID cards, and administer written tests and road tests. They also collect tolls and clear toll violations as part of motor vehicle transactions.

Additionally, they partner with other state and local government agencies to issue certified copies of Florida birth certificates and to provide concealed weapons permits, vehicle for hire permits, and hunting and fishing licenses.

The taxes and fees we collect are distributed in accordance with Florida Statute to the appropriate agency or municipality to fund vital services at the state and local levels.

For more information about the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, visit their website at hillstax.org.

 

Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan discusses expanded services, new technologies in the annual State of the Organization address released today

https://youtu.be/bjo2wDtVODk

TAMPA, Fla., March 11, 2024 – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office set a new standard for accessibility in 2023, offering residents unmatched convenience and streamlined access to essential services. In the State of the Organization address released today alongside the annual report, Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan recaps the service expansions and innovative programs made available to residents in 2023 to support Hillsborough County’s rapid growth.

In 2023, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office served over 900,000 customers, an increase of 19,000 over the previous year, collecting $3.1 billion in taxes and fees and processing more than 2.3 million transactions for Hillsborough County residents.

As detailed in the annual report released today, the office lists its expanded driver’s license services, new online and self-service options, implementation of AI technologies, community partnerships and staffing and talent development programs among its top achievements last year.

“In 2023, we focused our improvements on accessibility and finding new and innovative ways to provide better service experiences to our growing community.” said Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan. “We are immensely proud of our accomplishments and remain steadfast in our commitment to serving Hillsborough County with the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.”

Tax Collector Millan highlighted future initiatives launching in 2024, including mobile units to bring motor vehicle and driver license services to the community, adding lockboxes with 24/7 access for contactless drop-off and pick up, launching podcasts available in both English and Spanish and expanding Title Express services.

Key highlights from the 2023 Annual Report include:

Expansion of Driver License Services: Doubling the number of road tests administered daily compared to last year by an additional 200 tests per day, they allocated additional staff resources, resumed in-vehicle testing, and extended office service hours. The office launched a Student Saturday initiative in October, offering exclusive weekend testing for high-school and college students.

Customer Service Improvements: Opened expanded North Tampa office space, increasing capacity to serve an additional 200 customers per day compared to the previous space. Added a convenient Downtown Express Center to the first floor of the County Center, including a registration renewal kiosk, self-service stations, and express transaction processing.

Innovation in Service Delivery: Leveraging technological advancements, the office introduced solutions such as Pockettalk translation devices, virtual agents to reallocate staff resources based on service demand, mobile ticketing systems, and chatbot enhancements. In 2023, over 98,000 users benefitted from Sofie, the online chatbot, which can now help customers make an appointment, estimate the fee to register their vehicle and take them to the payment portal to complete transactions.

Growing their Community Partnerships: Active engagement with the community through initiatives like the Kids Tag Art Program, which raised $35,000 last year for art programs in Hillsborough County schools, partnership with Lion’s World Vision Institute, and participation in initiatives to end human trafficking.

Building a Culture of Excellence: The office received recognition for its work culture, including the Top Workplaces National Culture Excellence Awards for diversity and inclusion and exemplary leadership as a women-led organization.

Fiscal Accountability: The office received a perfect financial audit for FY 2022 and 2023. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability, the office returned $26.3 million to Hillsborough County from excess fees collected above their operating budget.

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Annual Report for 2023 and State of the Organization video are available for viewing at https://youtu.be/bjo2wDtVODk.

For further information regarding services, locations, and to book appointments, visit www.hillstax.org

About the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for collecting and distributing local property, tangible, business, and tourist development taxes. In addition, as an agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, they provide motor vehicle, vessel and mobile home titles and registrations, issue disabled parking permits, issue driver licenses and ID cards, and administer written tests and road tests. They also collect tolls and clear toll violations as part of motor vehicle transactions.

Additionally, they partner with other state and local government agencies to issue certified copies of Florida birth certificates and to provide concealed weapons permits, vehicle for hire permits, and hunting and fishing licenses.

The taxes and fees we collect are distributed in accordance with Florida Statute to the appropriate agency or municipality to fund vital services at the state and local levels.

For more information about the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, visit their website at hillstax.org.

 

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Students are encouraged to book appointments promptly as space is limited

TAMPA, Fla., Friday January 19 – Following positive feedback from students and parents, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector is bringing back its’ highly anticipated Student Saturday initiative next month. Designed to make driver license services more accessible, the inaugural Student Saturday event held last October to coincide with National Teen Driver Safety Awareness Month enabled more than 250 Hillsborough County teens to take their written or driving skills test on the weekend, eliminating the need to miss school or work.

“The success of our Student Saturday events last year showcased how important accessible, attainable licensing services are for teen drivers and their parents.” said Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan. “In response to overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community, we are excited to bring back the Student Saturday initiative and continue to offer the highest-quality services to Hillsborough County residents.”

Following the inaugural Student Saturday event in October 2023, Parent Renee Nelson took to social media to praise the initiative and how it made life easier for her family, writing, “This made life so much easier not having to take time off work or school for our teen to get their permit. It was fast and fun. The entire staff was upbeat. They pushed the teens to advocate for themselves and had the parents take a ‘backseat’ as the child navigated the process. Super impressed!”

Bookings are now open for the next Student Saturday event on February 10 from 9am to 2pm at the East Tampa Tax Collector’s office, located at 2814 E. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa FL 33610.

Written and driving skills tests are available exclusively to Hillsborough County high school and college students who meet the eligibility requirements, including a valid student identification. Aspiring drivers are encouraged to pre-register early as there is high demand for these weekend slots.

Visit www.hillstax.org/student-saturdays to check eligibility requirements and book an appointment for February 10, 2024, by calling 813-347-4386.

*Click Here to View Photos and Videos from the Inaugural Student Saturday Event*

TAMPA, Fla., January 11, 2024 – In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all Hillsborough County Tax Collector Offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024. Tax Collector offices will re-open on Tuesday, January 26^th at 8:00 AM for normal business hours.

“We are proud to honor the life and legacy of such a visionary leader who championed justice and equality,” said Tax Collector Nancy Millan. “It is a great opportunity for reflection and service.”

Although offices will be closed, many services are available online including paying property taxes, renewing registrations, and more. Taxpayers can get a 2% discount on their property taxes if they pay by the end of January.

Visit hillstax.org for more information about Tax Collector services and to take advantage of online services.

New online services eliminate the need to schedule appointments or wait in line for services

TAMPA, Fla., January 10, 2024 – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector is making it faster and more convenient for residents to receive motor vehicle and vessel titles. Launching today, the Tax Collector’s office is expanding their Express Lane service options to include e-title printing where customers will be able to complete their request for a printed electronic title online and pick it up same day in the office of their choice.  Previously, Express Lane pickup was only available for registration renewals and specialty license plate orders.

The e-title printing Express Lane option eliminates the need for customers to wait in line or make an appointment for this service.  Now, they can simply apply and pay for their e-title online by 3:30pm and pick it up same day.  Customers will receive a notification once their application is processed and ready for pickup.

The user-friendly online application system comes as part of Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan’s emphasis on leveraging technology to streamline services since taking office in 2021.

“Accessibility, efficiency, and customer-focused services are at the core of everything we do.” said Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan. “Our goal is to make it easier for all customers in Hillsborough County to access vital government services, reducing office waiting times and expanding the range of title and licensing services that can be done from the comfort of their homes.”

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office processed 32,920 e-title print transactions for motor vehicles and vessels in 2023, a 10% increase over 2022 totals, reflecting the County’s steadily growing population and demand for services.

To take advantage of the Tax Collector’s Express Lane services, visit hillstax.org.

 TAMPA, Fla., December 21, 2023 – As the holiday season approaches, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office announces its holiday closures for December 25th and 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday, and January 1st for New Year’s Day.

“I would like to wish everyone a joyful and safe holiday season,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan.

Millan encourages residents to take advantage of the Tax Collector’s online services even during office closures. “Our online services are available 24/7, providing convenient options for various transactions, such as renewing vehicle registrations, paying property taxes, and more. We want to ensure that our customers have access to essential services, even when our physical offices are closed for the holidays.”

For more information about online services, please visit hillstax.org.

Led by Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan, Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office was the first in the state to implement the Pocketalk technology

** Link to video footage of Pocketalk devices in Hillsborough County **

TAMPA, Fla., December 18, 2023 – Six months after rolling out language translation devices in all its’ offices, capable of translating speech and text into 82 languages, Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan receives a national award recognizing her pioneering efforts in enhancing service accessibility for non-English speakers.

In a county of 1.5 million residents, which includes a substantial immigrant population, effective communication poses significant hurdles for non-English speakers accessing driver licenses, vehicle registrations, and other vital government services.

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office rolled out the Pocketalk handheld translation devices in all offices earlier this year, providing real-time, two-way speech and text translation. The technology empowers staff to bridge language gaps, making services more accessible and smoother for non-English speakers and reducing repeat office visits.

As the first Tax Collector in the state to adopt Pocketalk’s technology, Hillsborough County’s successful rollout has inspired 13 others across the state to implement it.

Recognizing her commitment to inclusion, Pocketalk awarded Tax Collector Millan with the esteemed Community Builder of the Year Award.

“Nancy Millan is truly deserving of our inaugural Community Builder of the Year award. As the first Tax Collector in Florida to implement Pocketalk devices, Nancy has transformed customer interactions, ensuring timely and compassionate service for all community members.” said Joe Miller, Pocketalk’s General Manager of North America.

“Through her leadership, Nancy and her team exemplify how technology can profoundly foster inclusivity and connectivity.”

Since taking the helm in 2021, Tax Collector Nancy Millan has implemented a range of measures to cultivate an inclusive environment that embraces diversity at every level. The office employs more than 400 staff across its 8 locations, 70% of whom represent minority populations. In January 2024, the office will introduce a Skill-Based Incentives Pay Program supporting its diverse team with monthly stipends for language proficiency and certifications.

“Implementing Pocketalk technology directly addresses a vital community need,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan. “The technology is not a substitute for human connection, but a tool to enhance it. The handheld devices foster greater connectivity between our staff and Hillsborough County residents, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to essential government services.”

For video footage of the Pocketalk devices in action, including testimonials from Tax Collector Milan and Hillsborough County staff, click here.

For further information regarding services, locations, and to book appointments, visit www.hillstax.org

About Pocketalk

Pocketalk is the global leader in connecting the world and facilitating conversation through the only translation solutions on the market that enable an authentic communication experience. Pocketalk, which is HIPAA and GDPR-compliant, connect people of all backgrounds through language translation – fast, easy, and most importantly, accurate translation.  Developed, manufactured, and distributed by Sourcenext, the largest distributor and creator of software, hardware, and IoT products in Japan, Pocketalk officially launched in the U.S. in 2018 with headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif. The company offers translation solutions through the handheld Pocketalk collection, cloud-based Pocketalk App, and enterprise solutions including Ventana. The two-way translation solutions can translate 84+ languages and be utilized anywhere in the world with an internet or data connection. To find more information or purchase Pocketalk, visit Pocketalk.com.

About the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for collecting and distributing local property, tangible, business, and tourist development taxes. In addition, as an agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, they provide motor vehicle, vessel and mobile home titles and registrations, issue disabled parking permits, issue driver licenses and ID cards, and administer written tests and road tests. They also collect tolls and clear toll violations as part of motor vehicle transactions.

Additionally, they partner with other state and local government agencies to issue certified copies of Florida birth certificates and to provide concealed weapons permits, vehicle for hire permits, and hunting and fishing licenses.

The taxes and fees we collect are distributed in accordance with Florida Statute to the appropriate agency or municipality to fund vital services at the state and local levels.

For more information about the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, visit their website at hillstax.org.

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Led by Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan, the Top Workplaces Award recognizes the organization’s vibrant culture and commitment to leadership development

Setting a gold standard for women-led workplace excellence, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office has received national recognition for outstanding employee satisfaction ratings and workplace culture.

For the second year in a row, national research firm Energage has awarded the Tax Collector’s office the 2023 National Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for its commitment to DE&I initiatives and exemplary leadership as a women-led organization. The award is based on employee feedback measuring 24 markers of employee satisfaction from companies nationwide. The Hillsborough County Tax Collector ranked in the top 5% in 5 categories: trusted leader, strong values, open- minded, innovation and company direction.

Led by Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan, the organization employs about 400 individuals across nine offices in Hillsborough County, 70% of which are minority populations and 75% women. Tax Collector Millan and her team have worked hard since 2021 to build a vibrant, inclusive workplace and offer professional development programs and benefit incentives that prioritize the well-being and growth of all employees as well as the success of the organization.

“I’m incredibly proud of the culture of excellence we have developed within the Tax Collector’s office, where our team feels valued, represented, and empowered.” said Tax Collector Millan.

“The Top Workplaces award is based solely on employee feedback, which shows that our people-first approach and continued emphasis on supporting employees in all facets of their life has a tremendous impact on our workplace culture.”

In addition to recognizing its’ DE&I practices, the Top Workplaces award recognizes the Tax Collector’s office’s achievements as a women-led organization. Both Tax Collector Millan and Chief Deputy Tax Collector, Jennifer Castro, are products of the organization, working their way up to the top two leadership positions after joining the Office in 1989 and 2001.

Since taking the helm in 2021, Tax Collector Millan has implemented a range of talent development and recognition programs that emphasize a culture of promoting from within and retaining a high quality workforce to serve the public. The organization reported an internal promotion rate of 88% since 2021. In January 2024, the Tax Collector’s office is launching a new Skill-Based Incentive Pay Program, which offers monthly stipends for language proficiency, certifications, and degrees – another example of Millan’s efforts to attract and retain talent to meet customer expectations for service delivery.

Tax Collector Millan is committed to making the service process as smooth as possible for residents and employees, integrating innovative technologies such as the PocketTalk language translation devices in all locations to ensure accessibility to services. Adding more driving examiners, special events such as October’s Student Saturday’s for Teen Drivers initiative, and a streamlined booking system have reduced appointment waiting times and expanded service capacity to Hillsborough’s 1.6 million residents who rely on the Office for its services.

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office is passionate about employing dedicated individuals and is currently accepting applications for driving test examiners. For more information and to apply, visit https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/93353909-2682-486e-ac25-3383a8322289/Hillsborough-County-Tax-Collector

For further information regarding services, locations, and to book appointments, visit www.hillstax.org