By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The timing is unfortunate. Newly-elected county officials were sworn into office on Jan. 13, less than two months ahead of the deadline to recertify passports. Even though Barton County Register of Deeds Susan Williams, and her new deputy, Bailey Rankin, have previous experience in the office, both are currently unable to process passports.
"Because both Bailey and I are relatively new, or considered new, to the office, we had to first apply for a facility manager change," Williams said. "We're waiting for the passport agency to process that. Once that is completed, then we both have to be added as passport acceptance agents and take online training."
Williams said the situation is compounded by changes being made at the passport agency. With the recertification deadline looming on March 1, she is hopeful her office will have the greenlight to begin processing those soon.
"Everybody is submitting their paperwork," said Williams. "I know there are other new register of deeds trying to get the managers changed and be added as passport managers. It's kind of a hurry-up-and-wait situation for us."
Until the deeds office is able to process passports, Williams advises the public to use the United States Postal Service for processing. Even when services return, she said expect to wait times on passports are still around eight weeks. Those needing a passport sooner can use an expedited process that carries additional fees.