Bayard MVD closed due to vacancy

The branch of the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division located in Bayard City Hall has closed until further notice, following the resignation of former MVD clerk Samantha Fletcher. While the city of Bayard searches for an appropriate replacement, Grant County residents will have to get to the district branch in Silver City for their vehicle needs.

According to City Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Ortiz, the former clerk’s resignation came with little to no notice, so a contingency plan hadn’t been developed beforehand. Ortiz said she thought one of the reasons for the resignation was pressures from state government. 

“One problem is the new requirements,” she said, of the recent Real ID measures put into place by the New Mexico state legislators in 2016 to comply with federal standards. “That has everyone all worried.”

Now, Ortiz will begin assessing the position as it is to be advertised — developing a starting salary, benefits, etc. She said the position will require fingerprinting, other background checks and then extensive training and certification. While the branch is under the supervision of the state MVD, the branch itself is staffed with city employees.

The Bayard branch will remain closed until that replacement is found and ready to begin work.

Benjamin Fisher may be reached at ben@scdaily press.com.