Lawmakers hear more gripes about DMV computer delays

Brendan Riley

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1999 | 9:11 a.m.

CARSON CITY - More gripes are being aired about the state's "Genesis" computer upgrade that's supposed to speed up paperwork at the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety.

A panel that reports to the Legislature's Interim Finance Committee was told Monday of long delays in getting vehicle title changes, registration renewals and other paperwork that car owners and sellers must have.

The $35 million Genesis system booted up Sept. 7. Since then, a public outcry has been mounting despite assurances from the DMV of day-by-day improvements. The upgrade project began in 1996 and is scheduled to be fully operational by 2003.

Future plans include digital driver's licenses, Internet transactions and perhaps even registering cars at dealers or smog emission stations.

The DMV is also asking the finance committee for approval to speed spending on transition to the new program.

The state agency is seeking authority to spend $1 million budgeted for the entire fiscal year in half that time. It will go toward help from Deloitte and Touche, a key consultant on the project. The DMV also wants to spend another $600,000 on its contract with BEST Consulting, which was deeply involved in the Genesis project.

Assemblyman Bob Beers, R-Las Vegas, chairman of a finance subcommittee on the project, said testimony would be taken at an Oct. 5 hearing.

Acting DMV chief John Drew said money is needed faster because "we can't drag this out for 24 months."

He and other DMV representatives warned that without an intense push through December, consumer complaints and employee morale problems will continue.

Drew also said longer delays in mail-in vehicle registration renewals - three weeks instead of the previous 5- to- 7-day wait - will continue for "a few weeks."

Temporary paperwork is being handed out, so people who cannot get new tags for their vehicles should not get tickets if stopped by police, DMV officials said.