Coronavirus: Clark County government buildings close; public asked to do business online, by phone

The Board of Clark County Commissioners closed several public buildings on Tuesday as a precautionary measure due to COVID-19, or coronavirus, according to a statement from the county.

The Springview Government Center at 3130 E. Main St., the Clark County Dog Shelter at 5201 Urbana Rd., the Clark County Solid Waste District at 1602 W. Main St. will now all be closed until further notice, the statement said.

“While the buildings are closed, the government agencies located inside those facilities will remain operational and employees will report to work according to department policies,” the statement said. “Presidents are encouraged to do business online or by phone as much as possible during the closure. Individual appointments can be made available based on the situation.”

Clark County along with the city of Springfield declared a state of emergency on Monday. The city closed its buildings to the public at noon Monday until at least April 16.

According to the county’s statement, the closures will also affect Community and Economic Development, Personnel, Utilities, Emergency Management Agency, Soil and Water, Ohio State University Extension, Sheriff’s Office Web Check, the Clark County-Springfield Transportation Coordinating Committee and the Clark County Coroner’s Office.

MORE: Coronavirus: Clark County workers impacted asked to apply for benefits online

Bushnell Building’s third floor

The closure of the third floor of the Bushnell Building will affect the county auditor, recorder tax map and treasurer’s office, the statement said.

“Elected officials are encouraging residents to do business through online services. Residents who must drop-off items are encouraged to use the Treasure’s dropbox, which is accepting documents for all four offices, located at the main entrance of the Bushnell Building at 14 E. Main St. in Springfield,” the statement said.

If documents won’t fit or need to be dropped off in person, an additional drop box will be placed on the third floor just outside the elevator, the statement said.

“There will be signs directing people who to call for additional information,” the statement said.

Utility bills

For utility bills, residents can mail payments using the remittance envelope included with their bill, the statement said. Residents can also drop off payments in the night deposit box located in front of the Springview Government Center.

“You can also make arrangements with the Utilities to have your payment deducted directly from your checking or saving account monthly through our ACH program,” the statement said. “Residents can also pay their bill by credit/debit card or e-check using First Services.”

Clark County Solid Waste District

The solid waste district will suspend specialty recycling at 1620 W. Main St. in Springfield on Thursdays and the first Saturday of each month while Ohio is in a state of emergency, the statement said.

“Recycling stations remain open at our five Clark County locations. Residents are asked to place cardboard in commingled bins with glass and plastic. Please flatten cardboard boxes to allow for more space in bins,” the statement said. “All bins are being sanitized daily to stop the possible spread of the virus. Remember, if you’re sick, stay home.

Clark County Dog Shelter

The dog shelter will be closed to the public for adoptions, while pet redemptions will be done by appointment only, the statement said.

“Effective immediately, the Dog Warden’s Office will only be dispatched for police assist cases and situations where there is imminent danger to the general public based on recommendations from National Animal Care and Control Association,” the statement said. “Bite complaints and dangerous/aggressive dog complaints will be handled on a case-by-case basis. While we value our volunteers and community service works, we ask that you follow social distancing protocols at this time.”

MORE: Coronavirus: United Senior Services in Clark County suspends all events

Clark County courts

As of Tuesday, the Clark County Common Pleas Courthouse, Clark County Municipal Courthouse and the Public Safety Building will also remain open but with some slight changes, a joint statement from all of Clark County’s judges said.

“All Clark County Courts are open and continuing to conduct the business of the Courts on a daily basis, as is the function of such Court under the Ohio Constitution and statutory law,” the statement said. “With the health and safety of the public and all those who work in and with the Courts in mind, the Courts are implementing scheduling measures that should reduce the number of persons coming to the Courts each day.”

The statement said the judges have asked that only “persons who have official business with the courts appear at the courts during this time of emergency.” Persons include plaintiffs, defendants, litigants, subpoenaed witnesses, summoned jurors and attorneys.

“Persons who do not have official Court business to conduct should not come to the Courts, and they may have their access to the Courts’ offices restricted during this time,” the statement said.

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