On Monday afternoon, the Iowa Senate approved driver’s license issuances in Carroll and Clay Counties. The bill, which passed through the house on a unanimous vote more than a month ago, had stalled in the Senate, requiring Carroll County Treasurer, Jean Seidl, to request an extension in the contract for services with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) when it was set to expire at the beginning of this month. Seidl said getting past this latest hurdle is a relief for her and her staff. They are ready and enthusiastic about this transition.
Seidl says she knows this has been difficult for the people of Carroll County as well as her staff, and she thanks everyone for their patience and understanding. She has also outlined an aggressive timeline for the changeover to five days a week.
As the transition ramps up, Seidl says they will continue to ask for public support as the workload in the Treasurer’s Office is expected to increase by one third. To assist with the added workload, Jessie Haubrich will be the new Driver’s License Deputy, pending appointment by Seidl. Even as the Treasurer’s Office gains the capability to issue licenses, handicapped parking permits and non-operator identification cards, Seidl has concerns about some time constraints.
She said both the DOT and the County would frown on offering services on Saturday. Of the now 83 counties issuing out of the Treasurer’s Offices, only one has Saturday services, and that is not every week. Driving for licenses will likely be limited to one day a week, possibly Tuesdays, or by appointment only. The ability to drive for CDL licenses out of that office is still up in the air. Seidl said that will require an additional staff member. They are going to look into it, but will probably take close to a year to get the staff fully trained and ready to go before reviewing this option. Seidl added that the Iowa DOT has been receptive to a heavy afternoon workload at the office and may be willing to provide a second issuing computer. She said that will cramp their space even more, but she would like to take the time to get things up and running and see what is needed before spending tax dollars on altering the office to accommodate their needs. Finally, Seidl said she wanted to thank her staff for taking on the new responsibilities without hesitation, the supervisors for their continued support and cooperation, the legislators who worked with her office to move the necessary paperwork to Gov. Terry Branstad’s desk as well as the people of Carroll County.
