Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/203490
Sarasota News Leader November 1, 2013 Page 14 driver's license workload in a mid-county Ford-Coates had broached in June as the facility, as she had hoped when she addressed potential expense for new and remodeled the County Commission during its June 21 facilities. budget workshop. "I think it would be a very viable option," At that time, she pointed out, "The big issue Gable replied. is the 5,000 road tests that we will have to When contacted by the News Leader after handle." the discussion, Ford-Coates — who said she In August, Klaber noted that the office also would have to handle driver's license road tests for people with medical conditions, and staff had been advised it was preferable to offer those tests on site, instead of requiring the drivers to go out on the highway. had watched the meeting — pointed out that if she had to take over the Pompano Avenue site, that would necessitate expenses for more staff. She added, "The goal is to come up with a long-term solution that will cost the least," Regarding a new or leased mid-county facil- and buying property to construct a new building might be the most efficient option. ity, Klaber added, "Our goal is to do a closed course." State officials urge that practice, "The Pompano facility is, well, adequate," she she added, for safety and security reasons. said. "It's not the quality we like to provide Moreover, that would be more efficient in our customers and our staff." terms of staff time, Klaber said. Members of In an email she sent to the county commisthe public could make appointments to come sioners early on Oct. 29, Ford-Coates wrote: to the facility for those road tests. "Since you are discussing facilities today, I Gable told the commissioners on Oct. 29 that wanted to let you know that I have not yet staff members had been searching for a facilmade a decision about the best way to proceed ity from Clark Road to Bee Ridge Road and with the driver's license transition. I am still from Beneva Road to Interstate 75 to lease carefully reviewing and refining our options. space. Further, he said, the state Division of However, under any of the possible plans, Motor Vehicles office at 601 S. Pompano Ave. the workload will definitely increase at our is about 3,000 square feet on a 5-acre site. current offices," which will require the expanThe DMV has not made a decision yet, on the sion and remodeling of the Terrace building, future of that structure, Gable added; its lease more parking for that site and expansion and with the county runs through 2023. However, remodeling of her office's space in the R.L. Gable noted, "Our lease is pretty specific … Anderson Administration Center in Venice. about what they can and can't use it for, if they She added, "My staff continues to consult with don't use it for drivers' licenses anymore." your staff as we refine the alternatives. As you Patterson suggested that it might be a good know, I am committed to making a decision interim site for the Tax Collector to handle that is both cost effective and provides the driver's licenses, as it would be a less costly service our citizens deserve. You will be the consideration than the $4 million to $5 million first to know when the decision is made." %