Lawmakers question progress on DMV computer system

The remarks came as the Senate Finance Committee considered SB279, which would appropriate the money for Project Genesis, a computer system intended to provide "one-stop shopping" for DMV customers.

Project Manager Donna West said Thursday the money is needed to finish the second phase and start the third phase of Genesis, which is to be available later this year. It's been in the planning stages for about four years.

The state so far has spent $14.1 million on the system and expects the eventual cost to reach $35 million.

"The real efficiencies and the real payback to the state occurs when we go to the alternate services delivery," said West. "When we can prevent customers from having to come to DMV in person to do business with us, that's when we'll be able to review staff and requests."

The lawmakers also want to know why they're hearing criticism from some DMV employees about Genesis. West attributed that to worries about changes the system will bring, but the senators urged her to take a closer look.

"It's not just change and being afraid of losing jobs," said Sen. Bernice Mathews, D-Sparks. "It's a lot deeper than that. I think as a department head sometimes you ought to listen to the grapevine. There is enough stuff in there that you ought to be trying to see where that's coming from."

Sen. Lawrence Jacobsen, R-Minden, cited two pages of complaints he's collected and conversations with nine former DMV employees who said they left because of Genesis. He also questioned the overtime West said will be needed to train the employees.

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