BMV considering closing Alexandria branch

The state is considering closing the Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch in Alexandria for its low level of use.  As IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports, concerned citizens came to a public hearing Thursday night worried about losing convenient local service.

The Indiana BMV has been monitoring traffic at the Alexandria office since August of 2022.  According to the agency, business there hasn’t increased and has actually gone down by 3 percent.

BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey says there is a lot to consider for a possible branch closure.

“You know, I have committed to this group to go do a little bit more research,” said Garvey. “I will do that. I think it is really ultimately what’s the best decision for the BMV and what’s the best decision for the state, and trying to factor in the community as well.”

Garvey also says the primary factor driving the potential closure is cost savings.

“We’re trying to be somewhat responsive to customer behavior and how it is changing,” said Garvey. “We’re trying to be slightly responsible and responsive to that change in customer behavior, while also trying to be fiscally responsible.”

According to the state, the current Alexandria BMV operating expenses, not including staff, is just over $50,000.

Concerned citizens attending Thursday’s public hearing worried about traveling long distances to other BMV branches, problems with service at those locations, and accessibility.

It’s that last problem that concerns Patty Brooks.

“I feel like this is a service for the state and the state is more than just people who are online,” she said. “It’s people, it’s all people and it needs to be accessible for all people. And if it’s not accessible to all people, then it’s not a true service for the community.”

The state’s numbers say Alexandria residents conduct only 34 percent of their transactions at their local branch. If the Alexandria location closes, the next closest BMV locations are in Anderson, Tipton, and Muncie.

In considering the closing, the BMV highlighted self-service kiosks in Anderson and Muncie that provide some services at all hours.

The state also says if the Alexandria branch closes, the Tipton BMV will extend its hours of operation to provide services on Wednesdays and Fridays to match increased customer volume.

The agency did not give a deadline for its decision.

Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer.  Contact him at [email protected]