Douglas County Treasurer Adam Raines told the Board of Commissioners the county will consolidate motor vehicle operations to the larger 6th Street office as a response to growing wait times, staffing challenges and training needs.

Raines presented performance data showing average wait times have risen from about 11 minutes in 2019 to longer waits in 2024–25, with outlier waits reported as long as 2 hours 40 minutes in 2024 and 2 hours 10 minutes in 2025. He said turnover and the complexity of motor‑vehicle work have increased training burdens; many newer staff take months to reach full efficiency.

To address the problems, Raines proposed moving all motor vehicle services to 6th Street, adding a “check‑in” clerk who screens paperwork and directs customers to the correct process, and prioritizing staff training to reduce errors and processing time. He said the target date to complete the move is Feb. 16 and emphasized the change is intended to support staff and improve customer throughput. “The goal is February 16,” Raines told commissioners.

Commissioners noted the service is provided by counties on behalf of the state and that local property tax dollars subsidize operations. One commissioner said local taxpayers subsidize motor vehicle services by more than $1,000,000 a year; Raines cited a statewide 2024 estimate that Kansas counties provide over $16,000,000 in property‑tax support for motor‑vehicle operations.

Raines said the $3 facility fee for some online transactions will remain and that the county will intensify outreach encouraging online renewals, drop‑box use and appointments. He also discussed pilot ideas for temporary satellite offices in neighboring towns if needed.

The item was informational; no formal policy change or budget appropriation was taken at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to communicate clearly with the public about where services will be offered and why the change is being made; Raines said staff would ramp up signage, social‑media outreach and printed materials for customers.

Public comment included an online message from a resident who said the $3 fee discourages electronic transactions and urged more efficient automated processing for mail and online renewals.

Next steps: staff will implement the consolidation plan, monitor wait times and service quality, and report back with operational metrics and customer survey results.