NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
March 28, 2022
Tax Collector Steele Announces New Technology Implementation
Artificial intelligence and new appointment system are the latest innovations
from the Monroe County Tax Collector.
Key West, Florida – Constitutional Tax Collector Sam C. Steele, CFC today announced two technology implementations designed to improve service and convenience for customers.
The first feature, an online virtual assistant named Monroe, was implemented in late 2021. Developed by Florida-based technology company CogAbility, Monroe uses the latest, best-of-breed artificial intelligence (AI) services from top vendors including IBM Watson, Google, and others.
“Monroe makes it easier than ever for customers to get answers to questions or complete transactions online,” said Steele. “This new AI technology is amazing. It can look up a customer’s property tax bill and lead the customer through the steps to print or pay that bill online.”
In addition to improving convenience and access for customers, the technology is saving the Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office money. To date Monroe has answered more than 2,000 questions from over 1,200 customers. Steele estimates his office has saved more than $5,000 in call deflection since Monroe’s implementation in late November.
The second feature is a new appointment system which debuted on the Monroe County Tax Collector’s website last week. Appointments are required for several services including new passports, concealed weapon permits, and driver license road tests/written exams. Residents can now make an appointment, reschedule, or cancel an appointment directly on the tax collector’s website.
“My team and I are committed to finding new ways to meet our customers’ needs,” said Steele. “I believe these two features are great examples of that commitment.”
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