Oconee government reacts to the virus spread

The following announcement was made by Amanda Brock, Oconee County administrator:  “In order to continue to provide essential services to our citizens and protect the health and well-being of both citizens and staff, Oconee County will be reducing certain non-essential operations and services, as needed. At this time, the County will continue to remain open, however, changes in operations due to the surrounding circumstances may result in longer wait times due to limited staff and personnel. The Oconee County Council meeting, scheduled for March 17, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. will be held in Council Chambers. For the health and safety of Council, staff and the public, access to Council Chambers may be restricted. The public can view the meeting on Youtube.com and on the County website. Additional means for the public to listen to the meeting are being explored and an update will be provided prior to call to order. Access Recordings and meeting minutes may be requested from the Clerk to Council. The County Council Agenda, amended on March 16, 2020, will include the Oconee County State of Emergency Declaration. The Oconee County Emergency Declaration follows emergency declarations made by the President of the United States and the Governor of South Carolina, and it is purposed to allow more fluid movement by the County Administrator and staff during the Coronavirus pandemic. The emergency declaration allows the Administrator to directly authorize certain actions that would normally require County Council approval. The Administrator will take such actions on the advice of the Director of Emergency Services and the County Attorney and in consultation with the Chairman of Council. Typical examples might include expediting procurement activities, altering job functions, and repurposing county facilities. The Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Health and Welfare Committee and Real Estate, Facilities & Land Management Committee meetings, scheduled for March 17, 2020, have been cancelled. All Boards and Commission meetings have been suspended until after March 31, 2020. Oconee County requests that all citizens and patrons call ahead or visit the County website (oconeesc.com) prior to visiting the Administrative Offices at 415 S Pine Street. Many of the services provided by Oconee County are available online. This will help reduce the person-to-person contact and will assist in the efforts to lower the spike of possible exposure to COVID-19, or coronavirus. Department-specific updates are provided below.
Clerk of Court The Family Court Administrative Judge has cancelled Family Court this week due to the high volume of people anticipated. Human Resources Human Resources will suspend job postings and new hires until further notice. Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) The following actions will be taken, effective immediately, to limit face-to-face interactions and avoid group gatherings of more than 50 people. All park programs will be postponed until further notice. All county park building and shelter rentals with more than 50 people will be cancelled with a full refund or rescheduled after April 15.  Existing camping reservations will be honored; however, all unreserved camping inventory will be closed until April 15.  The South Cove store will be closed to the public until March 31.  Day use areas will remain open as of now.  The Oconee History Museum will be closed to the public until March 31. Public Library All meetings and programs are cancelled until March 31. Probate Court Oconee County Probate Court Marriage License Applications and Emergency Orders will continue to be in-person services provided by the Probate Court. For all other services, the public should refer to the County website or call or email staff. Public Records, including requests for estates and marriage licenses, are available online. Register of Deeds The Register of Deeds requests all documents be sent via mail for recordings, if possible. Digital copies of most plats, deeds and other recorded documents are available on the Oconee County website. Requests for information not readily available may be sent to staff by email or phone. Rock Quarry Regular customers are encouraged to apply for a monthly account to reduce the need to handle money or credit/debit cards. Treasurer’s Office Patrons should make all payments to the Oconee County Treasurer’s Office online or in person via the drive thru window. Please try to be patient as County staff are doing the best they can to continue to serve its citizens during this time. Additional information regarding County services and any changes thereto will be provided as the situation evolves. Citizens and staff should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not regularly available, hand sanitizer may be used. High traffic surfaces should be disinfected frequently, including doorknobs, light switches and phones. All persons should maintain a safe social distance of 6 feet from others as viruses are often spread from person-to-person. If you experience symptoms, please stay home except to get medical care….”