MOUNT VERNON — Customers at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles on North Sandusky Street are currently seeing sweeping changes being made to the facility.
These efforts will help bring the facility up to date and provide a more attractive atmosphere with improved working conditions for employees, according to Lindsey Bohrer, communications director for the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
“Improvements are under way, but business is going on as usual,” said Deputy Registrar Mike Kellenbarger.
Nearly every wall is being moved as the layout of the BMV is seeing a total overhaul. The front counter where customers do business is being moved to the other side of the room. Directly behind this area will be separate, larger rooms for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Knox County Title Office, and offices for the deputy and clerk as well as a testing room. The title office is operating in the same location as before, but it will make a quick and smooth transition to a new room once renovations are complete.
Restrooms are being upgraded to meet disability accessibility requirements. The electrical system throughout the facility is also being updated. Other changes will be painting, carpeting and basically an overall modernization of the office.
“We just want people to know we are still open for business,” said Kellenbarger. Highly visible signs are placed in the office directing customers to a temporary room while renovations are being completed. “We are also open Mondays until 6:30 and Saturdays until 2 p.m.,” said Kellenbarger,” wanting to remind customers of the normal longer hours on those days.
All work is expected to be complete by the end of November, said Kellenbarger.
