By all indications, the Barton County Driver’s Licensing Office will remain on the second floor of the courthouse where it has been for number of years, the County Commission learned Tuesday morning.

Staff from the office, operated by Kansas Department of Revenue the Department of Motor Vehicles, had requested they be allowed to relocate to the courthouses’s fourth floor. The issue was first raised earlier this year and led to a commission study session discussion Aug. 22.

The change was sought by the office because of a lack of space in the current spot. It is presently located just around the corner from the Barton County Treasurer’s office.

However, commissioners “were not interested” in seeing the office move, County Administrator Richard Boeckman said. They toured the courthouse on Aug. 22 and looked at other possible places, none of which were ideal.

In addition, Commissioner Homer Kruckenberg said he’d received many constituents opposing the move.

Commissioner Jennifer Schartz described part of the problem as the “domino affect.” By moving one office, it would impact others.

Also, there was a concern that moving to the fourth floor would cause additional strain on the building’s aging elevator.

Boeckman said the Treasurer’s Office has agreed to let the DMV utilize an unused portion of that office. And, there is a possibility that the existing counters could be removed allowing for more flexibility in how the room is used.