ECC North Satellite Auto Bureau marks one year anniversary

Erie County Clerk Kathleen C. Hochul, left, is joined by Erie County Legislator Thomas A. Loughran, right, and Augie Cosentino and his granddaughter, Courtney Wilson, who received her drivers license during the ECC North Satellite Auto Bureau's one year anniversary celebration.

Erie County Clerk Kathleen C. Hochul was recently joined by Erie County Legislator Thomas A. Loughran to recognize the success of the inaugural Satellite Auto Bureau in Amherst.

"We have certainly come a long way since the dark days of the budget crisis which forced the closing of auto bureaus and left customers with the choice of waiting for hours in lines and traveling to adjoining counties to transact business. Not only were residents frustrated, but, there was a 42 percent decline in revenues for the county. That was no longer acceptable and the idea of satellites was born," Hochul said.

Specifically, since opening in April 2006, the site has had 40,821 transactions, now averaging about 2,916 a month. Additionally, from April 2006 to present, revenues generated for the County have exceeded $425,000.

The Town of Amherst was chosen as one of the inaugural satellites because it was uniquely positioned to provide services to area residents and recapture revenue lost when customers travel to adjoining counties.

"An endeavor of this magnitude would not be possible without the cooperation of Erie County Community College, it's trustees and Erie County Legislator Thomas A. Loughran," said Hochul, thanking each of them for their part in this undertaking.

In addition to the Satellite in Amherst, the auto bureau is now bringing services to customers at 12 sites throughout Erie County. Check www.erie.gov/clerk for locations.