Supervisors order county buildings closed

By Mary Zielinski, Correspondent
Posted 3/18/20

Responding to spreading coronavirus outbreaks, Washington County supervisors, Tuesday, unanimously voted to close county facilities effective noon Tuesday.

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Supervisors order county buildings closed

Posted

Responding to spreading coronavirus outbreaks, Washington County supervisors, Tuesday, unanimously voted to close county facilities effective noon Tuesday.

County facilities will operate only with essential personnel.    

Notices will be posted at all entrances to county facilities.

The closing does not include the state court system which will still operate, Board Chairman Jack Seward Jr. said, adding that anyone with court business should call the call the clerk’s office to determine the status of proceedings, indicating that there could be directives coming later from the state

The county recorder’s office will still be issuing passports, but individuals should call and make arrangements. 

The county treasurer’s officer also will work with the public in arranging to take payments, with the second half of property taxes due March 31, including paying on-line, leaving payments in the county drop-box at the west building entrance and calling for an appointment if more service is needed. 

Driver’s license renewals, which require a photo be taken at the time, need to be by appointment.

If necessary, person-to-person appointments may be made with other departments by calling the separate departments.

During the meeting, concern was expressed at taking steps to protect vulnerable persons, especially among the elderly who appear to be at greater risk for contracting the virus.

In noting the emergency steps, Seward said, “We do not have the experience in dealing with this,” type of emergency, stressing that updating information will be an ongoing effort.

The board plans to hold its regular meeting as usual at 9 a.m. March 24; however, it is also is making plans for accept calls from the public relating to agenda items at that session. 

The goal is to limit any possible contact with anyone who has been exposed to the virus or may have been infected without having been diagnosed.

It was noted that some councils and other official bodies broadcast live telecasts of their meetings, and others have a recorded version available the next day through  their websites.

It also was noted that regarding to all types of closings, the county officials and staff will look at other counties to see what steps regarding containment have been or may be done. 

There also will be daily updates on the county website as well as the county’s Public Health and Emergency Services departments websites.

With no clear idea how long the emergency will last, the county auditor, noting that in recent elections there has been increases in absentee voting, said a large surge is expected for the November general election. 

He added that while there will be some regular polling places, there will be a “downward” move regarding sites. 

A major concern is how long the virus remains a threat and how many will still require treatment, including quarantine.

The board expects to further review the situation and containment steps at its next meeting.