GREENE COUNTY, N.C. — Almost two years after the closure of the License Plate Agency (LPA) in Hookerton, the community is still without a functioning office for essential services. The LPA, previously operated by the town, was shut down by the DMV due to fraud and criminal activities by the town's agents, according to Lorenzo A. Pedro, Legislative Liaison for the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

State Representative Chris Humphrey expressed his frustration over the lack of progress in reopening the facility. “An LPA is desperately needed in Greene County and needs to happen without further delay,” said Humphrey. “The citizens of Greene County deserve better. I am beyond frustrated regarding the lack of action.”

Humphrey highlighted that the main obstacle is finding a private contractor to operate the new LPA office. Despite the urgency, efforts to establish a new office have seen little assistance or success.

Pedro referenced a study conducted in October 2021, which indicated that reopening an office in Hookerton might not be prudent. The primary concern is the potential for recurring issues if the LPA continues to operate within a Hookerton government facility. “Hookerton has experienced contract terminations within a two-year period due to fraud and criminal activities by the town's agents,” Pedro said. He suggested the possibility of conducting another study in 2025 or 2026 to reassess the situation.

According to state regulations, upon the closure of the only contract license plate agency in a county, the Division shall designate a temporary location for the issuance of all registration plates, registration certificates, and certificates of title. This temporary designation must be posted at the former agency location for no less than 30 days, including the address and telephone number of the new location. Failure to comply with these posting requirements is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

The citizens of Greene County remain in limbo as they await decisive action to restore essential services that have been absent for nearly two years.