The Monroe County government offices will re-open to the public under normal hours of operation beginning tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, following the expiration of Gov. Brian Kemp’s State of Emergency Order at midnight tonight.
Exceptions to the re-opening include: the Monroe County Library and Monroe County Recreation Department, whose respective re-openings are governed by their advisory boards.
– The Monroe County Library Board has approved a reopening plan that may be modified to accommodate changes from government entities as well as to answer to the needs of the community. The building will re-open to the public with social distancing guidelines, reduced hours (Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and modified services beginning on Monday, May 25. However, curbside services for checkout will be available for patrons beginning Thursday, May 14 while staff is available. Laptop computers will also be available for short internet sessions in the Lobby of the Library. Masks will be required to enter the lobby for computer usage.
– The Monroe County Recreation Department will re-open the rec department grounds on May 14 for walking and fishing. However, fields, pavilions, playgrounds, as well as the gym and exercise room, will remain closed until further notice. The Rec Board is expected to meet again later this month to make further determinations about re-opening, and a plan for fall sports is in the works. In the meantime, recreation staffers are on site and available to be reached.
– Monroe County Animal Services will remain open at regular hours but closed to the public. However, adoptions can be made by appointment only.
– The Monroe County Conference Center will remain closed indefinitely. However, the county intends to use the conference center later this month on Tuesday, May 26 to hold its next Planning & Zoning Board meeting.
– The Monroe County Courthouse, including Superior Court and Probate Court, will remain open on a limited access basis. Some court functions will be performed via teleconference, but all trials will be suspended at least through June 12 after the statewide judicial emergency was extended earlier this month.
All other county departments not otherwise specified will resume operations tomorrow under normal guidelines with normal hours. However, citizens visiting the recycling centers are asked to continue practicing social distancing when visiting the centers at least through the state’s June 12 deadline for shelter-in-place restrictions for the elderly and medically fragile. Many of the county’s recycling center volunteers are over 65 years of age.
In addition, early voting for the June 9 primary election will begin in the lobby of the Monroe County administration building on Monday, May 18. Masks, gloves and hand sanitizer will be available for volunteers on-site, and restrictions will be placed on the number of persons inside the lobby at one time.
