Satellite MVD Office

The City of Laurel gave Yellowstone County space in our building some time go to operate a satellite MVD office. This has served us well and the idea was that the county residents on the Southwest side of the county would be able to utilize this office as the travel distance would be less than that of driving to Billings. After the Billings MVD changed to appointments only during the COVID emergency people were told if they did not want to wait for their appointment in Billings, they could go to Laurel as there was no wait there. Soon, City employees found themselves trying to navigate through what at times were up to twenty people stacked up in the hallway when trying to leave and enter their offices. There was no social distancing at all and most of the City employees were complaining and concerned and this was not fair to them. I have a responsibility to the safety and welfare of my employees. We had signs but they were ignored. I told the Yellowstone County Treasurer they would have to close their office until we could find a way to alleviate the crowds of people in our office hallway. We believe we have found a solution and I let Yellowstone County MVD know they can open at any time. They have stated there will be two people allowed in their office lobby at one time and the City will allow two people in our hallway at one time. Yellowstone County MVD said they would open their Laurel office on July 6.
Thomas C. Nelson
Laurel City Mayor