CHATTOOGA COUNTY OPERATIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Chattooga County is working hard to ensure the health and safety of our employees that deliver critical services as well as the safety and welfare of our residents. With 11 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1 confirmed death certain departments within Chattooga County will be limiting operations until further notice. All County facilities will operate under limited access to the public according to the Governor’s Emergency Health Order and the Governor’s Shelter-In-Place Order.  In accordance with that Order some county employees that are able to,  will telework or in staggered shifts.   Please contact the specific office that you are needing to access to allow them to assist you in providing essential services.     Specific information for the departments is listed below.  With the fluid nature of this pandemic, operations can change at any time.  Chattooga County will continue to update citizens through local media channels and social media on the Chattooga County, Georgia EMA/ 911 on Facebook.  Please contact the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office at 706-857-0700 for more information and all department contacts and phone numbers are listed on our County website www.chattoogacounty.org by clicking on the Government Tab.  Our intent is to update this daily with any new information or changes for departments that may occur and post on the Chattooga County EMA/911 Facebook and the www.chattoogacounty.org website.

*Governor Kemp has issued a Shelter-In-Place for the State of Georgia to take effect Friday April 3, 2020 at 6:PM and will extend to  April 30, 2020.    Governor Kemp’s Emergency Public Health Order has been extended to May 13, 2020. Chattooga County Government Offices will continue with operating on limited access, limited staff and teleworking  through May 13, 2020.  Please contact any office with any questions concerning the order. 

 

Monitoring Data for Chattooga County

 

·         11 confirmed cases and 1 death in Chattooga County per Georgia Department of Public Health.  Please watch the Georgia Department of Public Health Website at https://dph.georgia.gov/georgia-department-public-health-covid-19-daily-status-reportfor COVID-19 official case counts released each day at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

·         Urgent Care Patient In-take Level- Moderate

·         Unacast Cell Movement Data- County Score of D- with 25-40% decrease in cell phone movement data and 55-60% decrease in non essential trips.   This information can be tracked at https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard.  This information was last updated 4/24/2020 on Unacast.

 

Please limit movement and take social distancing steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office-  The Commissioner’s Office will operate under limited access to the public but will be accessible by contacting 706-857-0700 or 706 857-0701.

Superior Court—  The Judicial Emergency Order has been extended through May 13, 2020.

Clerk of Court Office—   The Chattooga County Clerk’s Office is open for ESSENTIAL matters.  We will be at work and able to help you by phone or through online services.  See information below.  THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 12:00 PM TO 1:00 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Clerk’s Office – 706/857-0706

Pay your (County) traffic tickets – www.payyourtix.com

Real Estate efiling & search – www.gsccca.org

Real Estate search – gasearch.kofile.us

Civil efiling – www.peachcourt.com

 

Probate Court & Elections –   Our office has been and will continue to be open for ESSENTIAL matters with the exception of the following directions.  We are alternating our work days manning the office with one person at a time.  Judge Payne is getting his messages and can operate from his home.

There is a correction sent from the State Office of Vital Records:   We will continue to accept ESSENTIAL walk-in requests.  You need to complete a written request form in the hallway with your pertinent information, present photo ID, and pay $25.

Marriage licenses may still be applied for only under ESSENTIAL needs.  You must apply online at georgiaprobaterecords.com, call our office to verify we have received the transmittal, and make an appointment for a marriage license.  You must present photo ID and a final divorce decree or death certificate if you have a previous marriage.  Marriage licenses are $66 without counseling and $26 with 6 hours of certified counseling.

New gun permits cannot be applied for during this time.  If you already have a license and your expiration date is coming up we will extend the time period with no penalty.

Chattooga County EMA/911–  The office will be closed to the public but citizens can access the non emergency number at 706-857-3400 or in an emergency call 911.  Also please follow the Chattooga County EMA/911 Facebook Page for the most updated information.

 

Chattooga County Health Department-   Currently, the Chattooga County Health Department is providing essential services only, such as for Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. We are trying to provide WIC via telephone with an online nutrition component. This can change quickly daily based on our role. Please call our office for details in place of coming into the clinic.   706-857-3471

 Chattooga County Extension Service (4-H) –   The Chattooga County Extension Service will operate under limited access to the public but will be accessible by contacting 706-857-0744 or uge1055@uga.edu .  Individual Staff can be reached through email as follows:

Rebecca Thomas, County Extension Coordinator rbt@uga.edu ; Kim Snow, Administrative Assistant kpsnow@uga.edu ; Zach White, 4-H Agent zwhite@uga.edu ; Kendra Stallings, ANR Program Assistant ks6@uga.edu ; and Claudia Navichoque, EFNEP Program Assistant cnavichoque@uga.edu . We are still open and conducting business practicing social distancing via teleworking. Citizens can stay updated on resources through our webpage www.ugaextension.org/chattooga or exploring the Chattooga County Extension Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/chattoogaext/

Some Current Points of Interest within Extension Programming:

 

District Attorney’s Office—  To be updated

Juvenile Court—  To be updated

State Court – ( Judge John Dennis) Because the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court has signed another order extending the Declaration of Statewide Judicial Emergency and because of the current state of affairs in Georgia, including Chattooga County, I have conferred with Solicitor Sanford Hill and Clerk Kim James and moved our next State Court Date to June.  (This date, if conditions improve, will be almost a month past the last expiration date.) State Court is held in the Annex, our courtroom combined with the large number of people whom we see on a monthly basis dictates our erring on the side of caution.

As you may know, once I became Judge of State Court, I signed an order that would allow for OR bonds in almost every misdemeanor case that necessitated an arrest and a booking.  (Many citations are written that do not require arrests.). Pursuant to my order, the only people who have to see a judge before a bond is set are those charged with some kind of battery—namely, family violence.  Also, individuals arrested and charged with DUI have to sit, usually four hours, before they are released.  The policies that we have instituted are such that Citizens of Chattooga County, even those in jail, will have little close exposure to other individuals.

 Sheriff’s Office/Jail— Deputies respond to and meet with many citizens throughout their shift and often times within the citizens home. Sheriff’s Office staff have been asked to avoid shaking hands, stand about 6 feet away from citizens that they are meeting or talking with. Also, if you request a deputy for a report or other reason please step outside, if feasible, and meet with them. Deputies have been authorized to handle certain reports via telephone. These precautionary measures will not hinder or damper a criminal investigation.

Jail: Since we have a large population of individuals housed in a confined space, we will be taking precautionary measures at the jail as well. The one that will most likely affect family of incarcerated persons are revised visitation schedules. Also, services where outside individuals are allowed to meet with inmates i.e. church services and drug counseling services are suspended for now.

 

Registrar’s Office– Our office is closed to the public at this time.

The Primary has been moved to June 9, 2020.

Absentee By Mail ballots are a great way for voters to cast a ballot from the privacy of their homes.  We are working to process these applications as quickly as possible.  Due to the high number of returns, the initial processing period might take longer than normal.  You can check the status of your absentee application on the My Voter Page located at  https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do

Absentee By Mail Information:
* Absentee By Mail Applications were sent to all active registered voters. Inactive and some Pending voters are still eligible to request an absentee ballot but will not automatically receive a request from the State.  Anyone who registered after these applications were printed will not automatically receive an application either.  There have been several of these applications returned to our office undeliverable.
* All requests must include a signature of the person making the request. You may make a request on behalf of a family member who is disabled or temporarily living outside of the county. All other requests must be made by the voter.
* Electronic signatures are not accepted.
* Party selection is required because this is a primary. Voters may choose between Democratic, Republican, or Non-Partisan. (Non-Partisan ballots do not contain Democratic or Republican races/questions.)
* For an application for an absentee ballot, visit https://sos.ga.gov/admin/files/Absentee_Ballot_Application_2018.pdf
* Absentee ballot applications may be accepted by mail, email, or fax.
* Absentee By Mail Ballots must be received by June 9, 2020 and are accepted through the mail. (After our office opens to the public, ballots may be hand delivered as well.)

Registration/Record Update Information: 

* To find an application to register to vote, go to registertovote.sos.ga.gov
* Registration applications (or an application updating information for an already registered voter) are accepted by mail. They are not accepted by fax or email. You may also submit a registration application online if you have a Georgia Driver’s License or State Issued ID card (ID only card issued by the Department of Driver Services), your name has not changed since your ID was issued, and you give permission to the Department of Driver Services to share your signature with our office.

Advance Voting Information:
* Advance Voting is scheduled to begin May 18, 2020 for the General Primary and the continuation of the Presidential Preference Primary.
* During this time, individuals who have not already cast a ballot in the Presidential Preference Primary who select either a Democratic or a Republican ballot will also receive the Presidential Preference Primary on the ballot. Individuals who already cast a ballot in the Presidential Preference Primary will only receive a ballot for the General Primary.

We will have one member of staff available in the office from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm on weekdays. You may contact us by phone at (706) 857 – 0739, email us at chattoogaregistrar@gmail.com, or fax us at 706-857-0739.

Public Works—Chattooga County Public Works will continue to operate with appropriate distancing procedures in place.

Chattooga County Sanitation and Remote Dump Sites—    The Transfer Station will remain open and the Remote Dump sites will remain open.  Remote Site attendants have been directed to keep a safe distance and not assist with dumping trash or recycling material.  Citizens will need to be able to dispose of their refuse and recyclable items without the assistance of the attendants.  Please remember that only household garbage may be disposed of at the remote sites.

Tax Assessors’ Office—Starting Monday, March 16, 2020, the Chattooga County Tax Assessors’ office, located at the Chattooga County Courthouse Annex, will be closed to public access.  Citizens can visit https://www.qpublic.net/chattooga  to determine a method of application and/or delivery for Real Property Returns, Personal Property Returns, Homestead Exemption Applications, etc., which will still be accepted.  The property appraisal staff will continue to visit properties during this time but will refrain from as much face-to-face interaction as possible.

The Tax Assessor’s Office is waiting on guidance from the Department of Revenue on extensions for certain filing deadlines.  Once this notification is made it will be released and possible extensions put in place.

Tax Commissioner’s Office—The  Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s office, including the tag and property tax offices, will be closed to public access.  We strongly encourage all tag renewals and property tax payments to be made through our website at www.chattoogatax.com .  To help our customers, beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 we will waive late penalties on payments and the credit card transaction fee on online payment will be waived for property taxes. Mobile Home property taxes that are due April1 will be extended  to  May 1 and Fi Fas will not be filed until May 1.  Tag and new registrations from person to person sales are extended to May 15 with no penalty.  We will be open with limited staff next week.  Business can be handled by phone, e-mail or online.  Staff will be answering the phone Monday through Friday.

Magistrate Court—The Magistrate Court will work with the Superior Court and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the safety of all citizens who use Magistrate Court and our employees. We realize this may delay the scheduling of cases beyond the normal times and hope that the citizens understand the reason why. We continue to monitor the situation and appreciate the understanding of our customers.  Citizens are urged to call our office if they have any questions or concerns.

Chattooga County Animal Control– We currently are asking all citizens who wish to surrender a pet to call and make an appointment. We will take all the information needed over the phone for the surrender and email a surrender form to be signed and sent back.  When you arrive, we ask that you please stay in the vehicle and call the shelter at 706-857-0679. We will come out to the vehicle to retrieve the animal and complete the process.

Chattooga County Water Department—The Chattooga County Water Department will continue to offer current level of services as long as staffing is available to support.  They request that customers attempt to make payments via mail, online, or by telephone instead of in-person, if possible.  Any customers wishing to start a new service should make the initial request via telephone at 706-734-2827 as opposed to in-person.  In some instances, the transaction may be completed without an in-person visit.  At any rate, the initial phone can provide an opportunity to share any information necessary to minimize the amount of time required in the office.  You can pay your bill online at www.chattoogawater.org.

 

Chattooga County Senior Center-  The Chattooga County Senior Center will be closed for activities for the next two weeks.  Home meal delivery will continue.  Currently all Senior Citizens  that normally attend the Senior are being delivered a meal now.   Extra meals have been ordered and we currently are able to fill all requested assistance needs.

Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce-  The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce office is closed, but Executive Director Cindy Rivers is available by phone (706.857.4033) or email (chamber@chattoogacounty.org). All Chamber events have been suspended until further notice. Updates to our website and Facebook page are kept current, and a new Facebook group has been created: Together4Chattooga in order to offer an environment for businesses to post their updates and connect with consumers.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) now offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, renters, and homeowners located in Chattooga County affected by coronavirus. Access more details on how to apply at  https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19 or call our office for help.

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) is temporarily suspending in-person requirements for services. Claims may be filed through their website: dol.georgia.gov or call our office for help. Facebook is launching a $100 million grant program for small businesses. They’ve also created a Business Hub with tips on how businesses can survive the coronavirus outbreak.

 

Chattooga County Agricultural Center- The Ag Center will be closed until further notice.

Chattooga County Civic Center- The Civic Center will be closed until further notice.

 

Chattooga County EOA Office-  Closed to the public until further notice. If you are in need of assistance  please call the Jasper Office at  706-692-5644.  Please leave your name, number and need and they will get back to you.   We ask for patience and understanding at this time.

Chattooga County Library- (Trion and Summerville Locations) – Based on recommendations from the CDC, Governor Kemp, and Commissioner Winters the Chattooga County Library System will be closed to the public through at least April.  At that point, a decision will be made whether to reopen.  While libraries normally invite people to come to libraries during emergencies, that is not the best option at this time because virus containment works best when all gathering spaces are closed.

People can park in our parking lot and take advantage of our free Wi-Fi at both library locations in Summerville and Trion.  The password for Summerville is chattooga1234 and the Trion Public Library password is trion1234 . Our patrons are invited to take advantage of our FREE online resources including e-books, e-audiobooks,  and e-magazines for both adults and children through GADD, e-read kids, and TumbleBooks.   You can also search a recipe database.  Available through the library system’s website:  chattoogacountylibrary.org  .  You can use a smartphone as well as other Internet capable devices to do this.

If you have a library item due, your due date will automatically be extended until May 1st.  All overdues fees will be waived during this time.  Limited email support will be provided during this time.  Email either sstephens@chattoogacountylibrary.org or sbaker@chattoogacountylibrary.org .  Watch our Facebook at Chattooga County Library for other activities such as a preschool storytime on Thursdays at 10:30.

Chattooga County Transit– We will be transporting Dialysis patients to and from the dialysis center until further notice.

For more information, please contact the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office at 706-857-0700 or e-mail at chattcom@windstream.net or jwincom@windstream.net