Kennett, Malden License Office contracts awarded

Daily Dunklin Democrat

The Kennett and Malden license offices have been awarded through the competitive bidding process implemented by Governor Jay Nixon to ensure more adequate customer service.

"In the past, many license offices were awarded solely to those who had political connections, and there were no standards for customer service or financial efficiency," Nixon said. "Under this open and transparent system, anyone can bid to run an office. This is a big improvement compared to the old, secretive political process that was ingrained in state government for far too long."

The Kennett and Malden offices will both remain at their current locations, with the Kennett office returning 7.5 percent of the office's revenues to the state to coincide with the bid.

Patricia L. Riggs, of Kennett, who has been the agent for the Kennett License office, will continue to serve as the agent for Kennett. Riggs has held the position since 2005 and was chosen from three bids that were submitted.

"I am excited about it and we are looking to make some changes," Riggs said. "One of the changes is that we will be open an additional hour on the last four days of each month to provide for customers. We are also looking at updating the number system and planning to put in a TV to improve the wait."

James G. Burrow, of Malden, will serve as the new agent for the Malden License Office. Burrow, who served as the office agent from 1989 to 2005, submitted the only bid for the office. The Malden bid did not include a return to state.

Alana M. Barragan-Scott, acting director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, noted that certain criteria was evaluated by the department when considering bids.

"The evaluation teams look for detailed responses on how potential agents will improve customer service, especially during periods when the office is busy," Barragan-Scott said. "The teams also rate the education and experience of a potential agent and the staff, and the accessibility and security of the office is also judged. Finally, the teams note whether a bidder is a not-for-profit group, a minority or woman owned business and whether a return to state is included in the bid."

Other awarded license offices include:

* The Aurora License Office, which was awarded to Denise Sumners;

* The Belton License Office, which was awarded to Meador's Professional Service;

* The St. Clair License Office, which was awarded to the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce;

* The Shelbina License Office, which was awarded to Tim's Home Center, LLC;

* The Vandalia License Office, which was awarded to the City of Vandalia;

* The Bonne Terre License Office, which was awarded to the Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce;

* The Ellington License Office, which was awarded to Rebecca D. Rhea;

* The Memphis License Office, which was awarded to Lisa Grubb;

* The Stanberry License Office, which was awarded to the City of Stanberry;

* and the Thayer License Office, which was awarded to Ranette Ray.

All license offices provide service that are overseen by the Department of Revenue, but each office is operated by an independent contractor.

The Kennett License Office is located at 103 South Main Street in Kennett, and the Malden License Office is located at 106 West Lacled Street in Malden, Mo.