Sunday, May 5, 2024
The drive-through window for vehicle registration renewals will be between Annex 1 and Annex 3.
The vehicle registration office on West Pearl Street will soon have a drive-up window that will allow those who need to renew their stickers or pick up handicap placards can do so without having to leave their vehicle.
The Commissioners Court approved the request made by Tax Assessor-Collector Andrea Ferguson at its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 24.
“I do believe this is something our community needs,” Ferguson told the court, noting that it would be particularly convenient for disabled veterans and parents with young children.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Kevin Andrews weighed in, indicating that he has watched as members of the public have come into Annex 1 to queue up at the teller windows in the tax-assessor-collector’s office.
“There are a lot of people that struggle,” he said.
County Maintenance Director Jay Riley joined Ferguson at the podium to explain the proposal. He provided two pricing quotes to the elected officials. One was for a window that opens and would cost about $1,500; the other involved a drawer, bulletproof glass, and a speaker system for about $2,000.
Riley stated that a third-party company would be needed to cut through a concrete wall that is five-and-a-half inches thick, but that his staff could handle the rest of the work.
Ferguson stated that the drive-up window would not be attached to her office at Annex 1, and that it would be covered with a canopy. She said that the employee working the window would sort through the office’s mail when not serving customers.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Jack Wilson made a motion to approve the option that involves a drawer and bulletproof glass. County Judge Ron Massingill seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
After the meeting, Riley provided additional details to the Hood County News.
He stated that the drive-through lane will be between Annex 1 and Annex 3 and that the window will be attached to Annex 3.
He said that he does not expect the drive-through to affect election activities since it will be between the buildings. Early and Election Day voting takes place at Annex 1, and candidates, supporters, and voters use the parking lot to the side of the building on Deputy Larry Miller Drive.
Traffic from the drive-through lane will flow toward West Pearl Street, Riley said, with motorists turning left on the parking lot at the front of Annex 3.
Riley said he is not sure when the drive-up window will be operational.
“The window may take up to 12 weeks to get, and I don’t have a date on when the wall will be cut as it’s concrete and I have a third-party cutting that for us,” he said.
