BMV continues plans for
branch
By Heather Mangold
City
Editor
Officials say that while the Indiana Bureau of
Motor Vehicles commissioner has decided to leave his position, the plans
to build a new branch of the bureau in West Lafayette will not be affected
because of it.
Commissioner Gary A. Gibson announced Wednesday
that he plans to leave the bureau to take a position within the private
sector. He will remain commissioner until Gov. Frank O'Bannon names
his replacement.
Officials say West Lafayette residents should worry
not about a new commissioner, but rather about the state's economic
status.
"With the present budget the way it is, we have
to look at it," said Addison Simpson, O'Bannon's executive assistant
for transportation. Expected revenues for Indiana are being far surpassed
by the state's forecasted income by millions of dollars.
Simpson said that while the state's economy is
unsteady, fee increases, which were established by the bureau last year,
should cover the costs of a new West Lafayette branch.
"Hopefully we can generate the revenue to get it
(the new branch) done by 2002," said Simpson. "I don't think it's going
to be a problem."
Fee increases, which will be effective Jan. 1,
2002, will rise approximately $3 higher than current costs required
for common tasks such as renewing a driver's license or renewing vehicle
registration.
Planning for the West Lafayette branch is still
in its primary stages, as bureau officials are working to fund the project.
In the meantime, a search committee is being formed
to find a new leader for the bureau.
Simpson said it would be tough to replace Gibson,
who has served Indiana since 1997.
"He's done an excellent job for the citizens of
Indiana; he's been very visible," said Simpson.
Simpson said one of Gibson's greatest achievements
has been his effort to improve customer service in branches of the bureau
throughout the state.
"Hopefully, customer service will continue to grow,"
said Simpson.
Other efforts to improve customer service include
legislation that was passed in the General Assembly's last session.
House Bill 1170 allows Indiana branches of the bureau to provide new
service such as staggered vehicle registration, online drivers license
renewal and mail-in renewal.
Continued efforts to improve customer service will
not suffer, said Simpson.
"As far as the changing of the guard from Gary
to the next commissioner, those plans are in the works and I don't think
they will stop because we have a new commissioner," said Simpson.
Simpson said Gibson was especially helpful when
Lafayette employees needed him most. Last year, the Lafayette branch
of the bureau was relocated to 2200 Elmwood Ave. in Lafayette after
employees complained of health problems due to poor air conditions in
the old facility.
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