When the renovation project was first planned, the budget was about half the current amount. However, he said, costs have more than doubled in the past five years. The work was done by Tampa-based A.D. Morgan. Zwayer said some of the sub-contractors were local firms.
The interior of the building was gutted, and a new traffic pattern has been established. The main entrance now is on the east side of the building. The former entrance now is the exit.
“It’s set up more like the Sebring office,” Zwayre said. “We have a secretary and a waiting office at the front. She will determine what our customers need, speed the flow and improve our service. It should be more efficient in the long run”
Once a customer’s number is called they will proceed to the designated window. The clerks are in the same room as before. But now, they are in their own separated area. Their work stations are housed behind a plexiglass window.
Among other things, they got new desks and chairs. There is also a QR Code in front of each clerk so citizens may fill out a form evaluating their experience.
The new improvements may allow Zwayer to again serve out-of-county customers. He did not have any indication on when that might occur.
“Our primary concern is Highlands County residents, but we do get some people who come down from Frostproof for instance,” he said.
Although the office now is open, work is continuing. A grand opening ceremony is planned for December.
