NEW MADRID - By mid-October, New Madrid County residents will again have a local office to renew their driver's licenses, purchase vehicle plates and take their driver's exams.
The Department of Revenue confirmed this week that Pam Henry, a former employee of the New Madrid County License Bureau, will direct the local fee office. Her appointment is official on Oct. 15.
"We are happy to be restoring service to the customers of New Madrid County and the surrounding area," said Carol Fisher, director of the Missouri Department of Revenue.
The county office was closed Aug. 31 by the Department of Revenue. State officials would not give a specific reason for the closing, stating there were a variety of issues involved.
"Every office is different. We felt it was in the best interest of our customers to close the office" said Suzanne Medley with the Missouri Department of Revenue. "We have been working very hard to restore service as quickly as possible."
The license fee office is contracted by the Department of Revenue to perform a variety of duties including the providing of motor vehicle and driver licensing services. Appointments are made by the governor to operate the offices across Missouri.
Henry, who has worked for the past six years in the local license office, said she was pleased to have her name submitted by the local Democratic party to serve as the new fee agent for the county.
"I very much appreciate all the help and support. There were a lot of people pulling for me. Without all of them this wouldn't be possible," she said.
Also she credited her experience on the job as helping her effort to earn the appointment. Prior to the closing, she was the office manager for the local license bureau.
Since learning of her appointment, Henry has been preparing to reopen the office. No changes are planned, she said, noting Lisa Morgan will continue on the staff.
Also the office hours will remain the same as well as the locations.
The License Bureau will continue to operate in the basement of the New Madrid County Courthouse. The bureau will be open from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Testing for driver's licenses will be offered next to the Extension Office on Main Street. Testing is conducted from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays.
The phone number for the license bureau is changing, however Southwestern Bell has not announced the new listing.
Henry expects the reopening of the office on Oct. 15 will be busy, pointing out she already has received inquiries. Yet the work is something she looks forward to.
"This is something I have been doing for several years," said Henry. "I enjoy working with the people and being able to help them."