The added bonus of easy parking and the acceptance of credit cards as a form of payment has Health Commission Jackie Phillips hopeful more people will take advantage of the program in Middletown.
Countywide, the certificates cost $25, and Phillips said Middletown does not charge any additional fees.
“We are a lot more efficient and accessible,” she said. “In some cases, we can release the certificate in the same day.”
Birth and death certificates are a major revenue stream for the health department. In 2010, the city generated $93,000 by issuing the certificates.
With more Ohioans being able to request their certificates in Middletown — even if they don’t live in the city — Phillips said she is hoping the health department will be able to generate more funding.
“This is one of the things that can raise revenues while you are not impacting the local residents with a tax,” she said.
According to the Middletown finance department, the health department has a budget of $732,961 for 2011. The city funds $165,000 of that from the general fund.
The health department is located at the city building, One Donham Plaza.
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jheffner
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