ROCK SPRING, Ga. – The third time was the charm for LaFayette, Ga., residents Joe and Lura Sheppard. The couple had been to the Department of Driver Services building in Rock Spring twice before finally getting new licenses Wednesday.
On one Monday visit, the building was closed because of the department’s new cost-cutting schedule. Another time the line and busy waiting area were too much for them.
“It was so crowded we couldn’t even wait,” Mr. Sheppard said.
Those waiting for their licenses Wednesday all seemed to agree that the crowd was larger because of the building’s reduced hours – a product of the state’s money woes.
Workers at all driver’s license centers across the state, including the Rock Spring, Dalton and Calhoun locations, are furloughed today as part of Georgia’s attempt to cut costs to make up for low tax revenue. Some, including the Rock Spring site, already have closed indefinitely on Saturdays.
Online services at www.dds.ga.gov will not be affected.
About 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, eight to 10 people waited underneath a sign stating that the room’s maximum capacity was 20 people. At least a dozen more sat in the waiting area.
“It’s crowded, I know that,” said Kathie Cruiz, of Chickamauga, as she sat waiting.
Losing the Saturday hours particularly hurts, she said.
“I’d rather come on Saturday and not have to take off work,” Ms. Cruiz explained. “It’s a lose-lose situation.”
Department of Driver Services furlough daysTodayMarch 18April 22Source: Georgia Department of Driver Services
Make that a lose-lose-lose. Workers at the Walker County building were not authorized to comment on the furloughs, but Department of Driver Services spokeswoman Susan Sports said the mandatory days off would affect family budgets as well.
“A furlough is a sacrifice to us just like everyone else,” she said.
Ms. Sports explained that the three furlough days were selected because they were shown to have the lowest transaction counts.
The move is estimated to save $300,000, based on department calculations.
“In addition to the wages of employees, it’s the operating expenses, the lights and everything else,” Ms. Sports said.