Lawmakers grilled the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Office of Veterans Affairs over their proposed spending plans on Wednesday, highlighting the need for greater transparency and efficiency as the Virgin Islands grapples with budgetary constraints.
The BMV faced tough scrutiny regarding its Personalized License Plate Fund, while the OVA outlined plans to expand services for former military personnel. Both agencies presented their cases for increased funding, but concerns over potential overspending and the need for more efficient operations dominated the session.
Barbara McIntosh, the BMV’s director, detailed her proposed budget of $6,056,910, which includes $3,056,910 from the General Fund, $1 million from the BMV Fund, and $1.4 million from the Personalized License Plate Fund. Appropriations and Budget Committee Chair Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory pressed for explanations on the PLP Fund, questioning why expenses appeared to outstrip revenues.
“It’s two personnel that are still on the PLP Fund because we don’t cut enough in the General Fund and the BMV Fund. But for fiscal year 2025, we are going to move those two personnel to the General Fund so the PLP Fund could all be used for the operating expenses of the BMV,” McIntosh responded. She added that unspent funds from the PLP would roll over to the next fiscal year.
“The expenditures sound like they are outweighing the revenues coming in. We clearly need to understand how this fund is being managed,” Frett-Gregory stated. McIntosh assured the committee that efforts were underway to balance expenditures with revenues and to improve transparency and efficiency in managing the PLP Fund.
The committee also examined the BMV’s transition to electronic services. McIntosh highlighted that average wait times had been reduced to 20 minutes, except during the last three days of the month when they reached 45 minutes. Despite these improvements, Frett-Gregory raised concerns about meeting online registration goals, noting that people still had to visit the BMV to obtain license plates. McIntosh anticipated that more online registrations would follow once most plates were distributed.
McIntosh also announced the recruitment of a public relations officer to spearhead a vigorous marketing campaign starting in September. Sen. Javan E. James Sr. praised the BMV’s digitization efforts, stating, “I look forward to seeing greatness at the DMV and must admit when it comes to digitizing government, I give DMV an A-plus. Continue the great work you’re doing.”
Patrick Farrell, director of the Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs, presented a budget request for 2025 that mirrored the 2024 request of $1,219,369. He detailed the allocation of funds, including personnel salaries, fringe benefits, supplies, services, capital outlays, and miscellaneous expenses. Farrell highlighted the OVA’s accomplishments, such as the Financial Literacy Series and Medical Provider Workshop for veterans, and provided an update on the multi-vault crypts project in the St. Croix District.
“We have initiated the multi-vault crypts project — a giant step toward relicensing credible, proper burial facilities for our veterans,” Farrell stated. He concluded by seeking support for additional services and facilities for veterans, emphasizing the need for continued improvements.
“Please help us to help our veterans and their families. We continue to assess our operation and think of how we can make this agency an even better-oiled machine,” Farrell said.
The committee hearing Wednesday was attended by Frett-Gregory, along with Senators Marvin A. Blyden, Dwayne M. DeGraff, James Sr., and Samuel Carrión.
