B.C. Assessment is introducing a new call service in January in time to deal with the deluge of calls that arrive after property assessments are issued.
The new system includes software on staff computers to help handle calls more efficiently and reduce waiting times for callers, said Harry Mercer, vice-president of business and customer service at B.C.
Assessment. It will also cut back on the number of times a customer has to ask the same question of staffers.
Assessed values are released every January.
No new staff are being hired. Current staff will use the system in the 15 field offices around the province.
Callers will use a toll-free number. Staff who answer calls will have instant computer access to properties, again decreasing wait times for callers. If one office is swamped, staff at another location can take on extra calls. The system will remain year-round.
Assessment staff throughout B.C. offices handled a total of 58,000 phone calls and more than 5,000 emails in January, Mercer said.
