Spencer Collier
SCOTTSBORO-Secretary Spencer Collier held a press conference yesterday in Scottsboro to discuss budget cuts and the effects it will have on citizen services, specifically driver license services. He plans to hold two more press conferences this week, Wednesday in Tuscaloosa and Thursday in Dothan, to inform citizens of the cuts to state law enforcement services. Here are some of the things he mentioned….
“• During transition and the first two quarters of 2015, ALEA examined the core functions of each legacy agency (10 law enforcement agencies were consolidated to make up ALEA) and determined the Driver License system was inefficient and archaic.
• In July, he announced a series of technology-based improvements which 
will result in more efficient service and shorter wait times for citizens of Alabama:
1.Online scheduling
2.Online driver license renewals
3.Self-serve kiosks
4.Digital licensing for smart phones
5.Statewide equipment upgrades – ALEA has started updating computer stations, testing stations and other equipment at its offices, and at Probate Judge and License Revenue Commissioners Offices, across the state.
• Currently, ALEA maintains 75 Driver License district and field offices across the state.
• Budget allocations do not cover its cost to adequately serve our citizens.
• Today, the ALEA Licensing Division operates with an $8.2 million deficit.
• During the 2015 Regular and First Special Sessions, the Legislature proposed General Fund budget cuts ranging from 22% to 47% cut from ALEA’s Fiscal Year 2015 appropriation.
• Should the Legislature pass a drastic budget cut, it will be necessary for the Licensing Division to close Driver License district and field offices statewide.
1.Phase 1: Close 33 field offices. Field offices are in rural areas and operate on a part-time basis where a DL examiner travels from a DL office to a field office a couple of days a week for limited hours. These offices represent 5% of all ALEA DL transactions each year.
2.Phase 2: On January 1, 2016, District Offices will close leaving only 12 offices statewide. Average drive times to reach an open office for citizens will increase to more than an hour. Current average wait times for services is approximately 1.5 hours; with fewer locations, the wait time for services will substantially increase and most functions will require an appointment. This office here in Scottsboro would close in Phase 2.
3.Phase 3: On March 1, 2016, we would have to move all operations to four offices which would be located in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile
“We want citizens to know that their state law enforcement services are facing severe cuts which will result in a drastic reduction of public safety in Alabama. Providing public safety is a core function/responsibility of state government and state law enforcement should not be cut as much or more than other state services. We encourage them to contact their state representatives and voice their concerns immediately.”
MEDIA RELEASE/Alabama Law Enforcement Agency/Senior Trooper Johnathan Appling, Public Information/Education Unit
