Staffing Shortages Increase Wait Times at Some Hennepin County Service Centers
Staff members at Hennepin County service centers are asking people to schedule appointments ahead of time to guarantee service. The reason: some centers are dealing with staffing shortages, causing wait times to lengthen.
“We do see a fair amount of frustration at our service desks,” said Anna Abruzzese, director of service centers for Hennepin County.
The Brookdale location in Brooklyn Center is one of the busiest centers with people seeking to update driver’s licenses, renew tabs or obtain copies of birth certificates. While some customers think they can walk in and get what they need immediately, that’s not always the case.
“They assume that the service is going to be the same as it was pre-pandemic,” Abruzzese said.
But the situation has changed. Like other businesses, Hennepin County is dealing with staffing shortages.
“There’s a little bit of fluctuation, so depending on the day, we may have challenges in meeting all of the high demand we have,” said Abruzzese.
Customers experience longer wait times at Brookdale service center.
Hennepin County officials urge people to schedule ahead. Customers who spoke to CCX News say they got in fast with an appointment.
“We made the appointment online like last week, and we’re here, and it probably took half an hour,” said customer Rachel Veschio.
The service center is seeing an influx of customers coming to get a Real ID, which is required for domestic air travel starting in May.
Meanwhile, officials suggest coming early in the morning if you want to take a chance at getting walk-in service. You can also call ahead to see if a center is taking walk-ins.
The Brookdale location schedules appointments about a week out and appointments are about two weeks out at the Maple Grove location, officials said.
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