With the addition of driver’s license services out of the Carroll County Treasurer’s Office, they will no longer be able to process passport applications. Carey Kersey, Director of Carroll County Environmental Health Services, has offered to take over those duties through her office. The information has been sent to the Department of State that regulates the passport program and they have been approved as a provider. Kersey said they are anticipating a Jan. 1, 2017 effective date for taking over the services. Currently, the Treasurer’s Office does not offer the photography that accompanies the applications and Kersey would like to see that added to their program when they switch over.
Kersey said they would be adding $10 to the passport fee, which for a 10-year passport is currently $110 for citizens 16 and older. The county keeps $25 of the $110 fee, and the $10 charge would be used, initially, to offset the expense of the Pakor passport system that includes a smart camera, printer and the system software for processing photos. After seeing how the Pakor works, Kersey found a model that is new at a sharply discounted price because it is being discontinued.
Kersey said even though the model is discontinued, it has been very popular over the years and the company they purchase the machine from will continue to carry the film and ink needed. Last year, the Treasurer’s Office processed 577 passports, and Kersey said even after paying for the appropriate paper, they are expecting to spend a little less than $1,000. That expense will come out of her regular budget, she added, and at that rate would be reimbursed within just a few months of offering the services.
