BMV proposes closing Versailles License Branch
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Nine license branches have closed in the state and Versailles is among 24 others that join the ranks of "proposed sites" to be closed.

After a conference call on Monday, where State Senator Johnny Nugent learned the news, he said he went immediately to work on trying to save the Versailles branch.

"I have faith that good will prevail," he told The Versailles Republican in an interview on Tuesday morning. Nugent noted that he feels the license bureau in Versailles is in a good location and would cause a hardship on many people if it is closed.

"We will have the opportunity to be heard at public meetings," he noted, saying people need to express their concerns to the Governor. He further noted that he realizes the bureau is trying to move into the 21st century encouraging people to do business over the Internet. He said he also realizes not everyone has the Internet.

Lorri Carpenter, manager at the Versailles License Branch, was contacted, but was not able to give comment on the situation.

Nine branches have been closed: Knightstown, Montpelier, Elwood, Summitville, Cayuga, Warren, North Manchester, Butler and Garrett.

The Versailles branch is among 24 others that are proposed to be shut down by the end of the year.

The BMV is required by law to conduct public hearings in the county where a license branch may close. Hearing dates have not been given for the Versailles site.

BMV Commissioner Joel Silverman said his agency is looking at several factors when considering closing these sites. They take into consideration how much money would be saved by closing a branch. All the closings are projected to save the agency about $7 million. He says that money will be used to make the agency more "efficient and customer-friendly."

Silverman proposes that money will be saved by having people do business over the Internet or by mail.

Frank Thompson, area manager for Congressman Mike Sodrel, noted that they located their office in Versailles due to the location. "It just makes sense to have an office in Versailles," he noted. Their office is lo
cated next door to the Versailles License Branch. He said their office will be working to help save the Versailles site.

Residents are encouraged to contact their political leaders and let them know their feelings on having the Versailles License Branch closed. They can contact State Representative Cleo Duncan at 1-800-382-9841 or State Senator Johnny Nugent at 1-800-382-9467. You can also go online at bmvresponse@bmv.in.gov.