Citizens Billed for Cars Not Owned
The Town of Herndon sent citizens incorrect vehicle decal bills during the last week of August; some citizens received bills about vehicles they didn’t own.
“These incorrect bills should be disregarded,” according to Town Manager Arthur A. Anselene.
“After a thorough review, we have determined that an error occurred as town staff was preparing vehicle ownership data for transition to a third-party printer. The transmitted data was incorrect. We are reviewing our internal controls and will be revising our processes to make certain that an error of this nature does not happen again,” according to Town Manager.
“On behalf of the town’s staff, I am sorry for the inconvenience and concern this error has caused,” he said.
Dear Town Citizens:
As many of you are aware, the vehicle decal bills sent via U.S. mail to citizens last week were incorrect, with many of you receiving bills containing information about vehicles you do not own. These incorrect bills should be disregarded.
First and foremost, please accept my personal apology for the inconvenience this may have caused you. Every member of the town’s staff works extremely hard to provide exceptional service to our citizens. In this instance, we fell short.
After a thorough review, we have determined that an error occurred as town staff was preparing vehicle ownership data for transition to a third-party printer. The transmitted data was incorrect. We are reviewing our internal controls and will be revising our processes to make certain that an error of this nature does not happen again.
Some of you have expressed concern about the security of your records as a result of this error. Although none of the information included in the town’s vehicle decal bills is confidential, we have reviewed the error with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles as well as law enforcement officers and have been assured that the DMV does not release vehicle ownership information to anyone not pre-authorized to receive information.
The town will be issuing revised vehicle decal notices, which should be mailed to you by Sept. 11, 2015. Every effort will be made to remove notice mailings to vehicle owners who have already purchased their 2016 town decals. However, if you do receive a town notice and you’ve already purchased your new 2016 town vehicle decal, please disregard the notice.
Again, and on behalf of the town’s staff, I am sorry for the inconvenience and concern this error has caused. For further information or assistance, please contact the town’s Revenue Division at 703-435-6813 or revenue@herndon-va.gov.
Arthur A. Anselene
Town Manager