EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The implementation of Texas House Bill 718, which bans paper license plates to prevent fraud, has led to significant challenges in El Paso.
Car dealers are facing frustrated customers and delays in vehicle registration, causing financial strain.
Luis Fierro, owner of LGF Motors, said, “It is affecting us for the fact that our customers are mad at us.” He added, “We cannot collect any customer that finances, we cannot collect the vehicles, money until we provide the registration.”
El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector Ruben Gonzalez is considering closing offices to address the backlog of over 5,500 license plate requests. “I may close, close some offices which are inconvenience is going to inconvenience the public,” Gonzalez said.
He noted that last Friday, an office was closed, and another closure is planned for this coming Friday to catch up on the backlog.
Gonzalez, who oversees clerks processing dealership paperwork and resident services, warned of staffing issues when the law was passed.
He claims his requests for more staff were ignored.
County Judge Ricardo Samaniego countered that Gonzalez dismissed recommendations and staffing studies. “HR had been doing a study letting them know the efficiencies,” Samaniego said.
The county is funding overtime and new staffing for Gonzalez’ department.
Gonzalez mentioned that training a new employee takes two years due to the complexity of the work.
Meanwhile, dealers are anxious for a resolution before the busy holiday and tax season.
Fierro expressed concern that if the backlog continues, it could grow to 7,000 or 8,000 deals behind in two weeks.
Gonzalez and Samaniego worry that smaller dealerships may not survive the crisis.
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