The state is considering closing the Warren County Driver Testing Center as part of an effort to improve effectiveness and efficiency with the state’s driver license services. The move could come before May 31.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has already closed eight such centers across the state in a cost cutting move. But, if the Warren County Center closes, patrons, including many from DeKalb County would have to travel further distances for service.
The Southern Standard reported Wednesday that Commissioner Bill Gibbons was in McMinnville Tuesday to give an explanation. According to the commissioner, the Warren County center costs the state about $77,000 to operate each year, and that there are empty work stations at other centers where employees from Warren County could fill. Gibbons said several factors are being considered including that Warren County is in the bottom 26% in level of activity, ranking 34th among the state’s 47 centers. He suggested that patrons in the area could go to the Tullahoma center for services if the Warren County facility closes.
Commissioner Gibbons said the state’s plan to merge centers has already saved the state $1.3 million in operating costs without eliminating personnel. He said employees are being transferred to other facilities.
In order to keep services local, Commissioner Gibbons said city and county leaders in Warren County could partner with the state. Under such an arrangement the local governments could perform many of the duties now being handled at the state run center and collect a four dollar surcharge for every transaction made. Gibbons said the state also partners with school systems where written and driving tests can be taken under oversight of high school officials.
“Merging certain driver services centers is part of our plan to enhance customer service and overall efficiency at centers across the state,” Commissioner Gibbons said in a department website media release. “By merging these centers, we can use our resources to better serve the citizens and save taxpayer dollars. The mission of the Driver Services Division is to promote safe, knowledgeable, and competent drivers in the State of Tennessee. Using diversified program offerings, the Division is able to provide various services to Tennessee Citizens. The Driver Services Division is responsible for testing and issuing driver licenses as well as offering voter registration and issuance of driving records.
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