Details of a plan to save our Driver Testing Center were not given during Monday night’s Warren County Commission meeting.
Mayor Jimmy Haley voiced his belief during the McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting on May 9 that a plan would be in place by the time the Warren County Commission met on Monday, May 15. While no details were forthcoming that night, what was given was an urging to continue to seek a solution.
“Despite what has transpired, we all agree our citizens deserve this valuable state service,” said Haley in a statement to commissioners. “They all expect us to find a solution. As you know, I worked diligently to secure the proper funding to keep our Driver License Center in place. Together, we found the funds to keep our facility open. Together, we can make that happen again. All is not lost.”
Funding is being sought by Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner David Purkey, said Haley, who has requested a meeting with Gov. Bill Haslam.
“Safety Commissioner Purkey and Senate leadership are still exploring funding mechanisms within the current budget. I am planning a meeting with the governor soon. My quest continues.”
Haley says options need to be explored, including local governments funding the center in order to keep it open.
“Every option will be explored,” he said. “We cannot give up hope, but we have to develop a plan for local funding. We can do this. We did it before. We are not quitters. We are all committed to serve the citizens we represent. The taxpayers expect no less from us. Remember … we are one people, one community and one county. I know I can depend upon your support.”
No date has been given for the center to close. However, the funding agreement between the city of McMinnville and the state ends June 30.