UTICA, N.Y. -- Oneida County Clerk Sandra DePerno says county clerks across the state are getting mixed messages and little communication from state officials about when they’re supposed to officially reopen.
"One day you’re going to open, the next day, oh no you can’t. I mean how do you run… you know how do you have our constituents call to make an appointment… what are you going to call everybody and tell them well sorry your appointment’s cancelled because the Governor says we can’t open today. I mean it’s just been crazy," she said.
Oneida County DMV staff are working the phones and processing transactions that can be left at the DMV’s drop box. Holland Patent resident, Joseph Valdez, doesn’t get around quickly, but is happy about the service he’s received from the DMV.
"The people on the line have been really good to me. They told me how to fill out the paperwork, and they told me to come here rather than sending it to Albany," he said.
If your license expired from the beginning of March until now, it’s still considered legal as the Governor did issue a 45 day stay. Once the DMV does open up, you’d better make a call, as in-person transactions will be by appointment only.
Protective plexiglass has been installed at the Utica DMV branch. The Rome branch is still in the process of installing their plexiglass, but DePerno says you can expect the Oneida County and Rome DMV to be open as early as next week.
"Myself and all of the County Clerks… they are anticipating opening either Monday or next week…sometime next week. As soon as their offices are done and set up, yeah they’re ready to go and they’re going to open. Let them come in and shut us down," said DePerno.
Herkimer County Clerk Sylvia Rowan says the Herkimer DMV will still be in operation, but they’re not quite ready to open even if they are given the green light.
"I’m not ready at that point, I’m still putting the safety glasses up in the office to protect the workers. I have to not only worry about the people who come in the office, but I have to be concerned about my employees," she said.
NEWSChannel 2 will keep you posted on official opening dates and appointment phone numbers as they become available.
