County clerk praises DMV staff handling enhanced IDs, seeks to fill long-held intern spot

Alleghany County's county clerk told the Personnel Committee on June 4 that Department of Motor Vehicle staff have handled a large influx of work tied to enhanced driver's licenses and are taking business displaced by a nearby Steuben County office.

County Clerk Robert Christman (identified by transcript as "Mr. Christman") thanked senior staff, naming Amanda Joyce Phelps and others, and said the office is processing applicants who travel from other jurisdictions because of appointment shortages elsewhere. "The Department of Motor Vehicle has taken on a project probably beyond the conception of its ever being conceived," Christman said, describing long lines and staff efforts to expedite service.

Christman asked the committee to approve filling a longstanding intern position that typically goes to a recent high-school or college graduate; he said prior interns have gone on to professional careers. Committee members moved and seconded the request and voted "Aye" to approve filling the position, noting the appointment will follow graduation and the personnel officer's approval.

Christman also mentioned that the clerk's office issues passports as an alternative to enhanced identification in cases where some supporting documents (for example, older out-of-state divorce decrees) cannot be produced quickly. He did not provide recruitment numbers or a budget impact for adding staff but said he has been arranging temporary measures—such as providing food for staff during busy periods—to sustain operations during the surge in demand.