Golden Valley Mayor Talks About DMV Reopening

State lawmakers have passed a bill that will allow the Golden Valley Motor Vehicle Licensing Department to reopen in August. 

The city’s DMV was shutdown for more than a year after reports of theft. , 35, of Maple Grove, faces three felony charges—theft by swindle, theft of public funds and failure to pay over state funds—along with two gross misdemeanor counts of misconduct of a public officer or employee.

Golden Valley’s Motor Vehicle Licensing Department was closed on April 1, 2011, three days after Olson was arrested. An independent auditor investigated the case, but for the office to reopen legislative action was needed.

“A lot of people worked really hard to get the office open again,” Golden Valley Mayor Shep Harris said. “We are excited to reopen this office and bring closure to an issue that has lingered in our community for some time.”

Harris said local legislators, city council members and city staff dedicated many hours to this project.

“It did take some heavy lifting,” Harris said. “We know the closure has been a big inconvenience for people across the metro so we’re really looking forward to serving the community again.”

Before the doors reopen, Harris says new staff will be hired and new guidelines will be put in place to ensure safety. The city council will review the new system of check and balances before the office opens to the public.

No official opening day has been set in August.