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Instructions at Demorest’s City Hall echo others around the county trying to keep residents and city employees safe.
The following cities in Habersham County have taken safety precautions with the ongoing spread of COVID-19. The Northeast Georgian will be monitoring any additional precautions taken.
ALTO
The Town has closed the lobbies of the Municipal Complex and the Police Department. The Alto Municipal Complex and Alto Police Department will be closed to the public until further notice except for employees or officials. You can continue to make your water, ticket or other payments:
• By cash, check or money order mailed to: Town of Alto, P.O. Box 215, Alto, GA 30510 or put in night drop located at the Municipal Complex (186 Wade Street) at the beginning of the handicapped access ramp.
• By credit/debit card by calling: 706-778-8035 or on the Town website: www.townofaltoga.org, click “online payments”, click “one-time payment only.” To pay a ticket, go to www.ezcourtpay.com or call 706-778-8028 for help.
If you have questions or concerns that are not answered here, please reach out to the Town by calling 706-778-8035 or the PD by calling 706-778-8028. Email: altocityhall@windstream.net or altopd@windstream.net. Check: www.townofaltoga.org for any further updates.
BALDWIN
The City of Baldwin has limited the access to City Hall to the public. Business is still being conducted through the drive thru said City Administrator Jerry Neace.
“For those items that are a little more complex, we are asking people to make an appointment and staff are practicing social distancing. The same is true for the Police Department and the Fire Department. Public Safety is being a little more cautious since they are in contact with more people,” he said.
The city has postponed the annual clean-up day until further notice. “At this time, we have not officially cancelled any public meetings but I feel there may be a recommendation in the coming days due to limiting congregational environments of 10 or more people,” he said. “However, I believe it would be for a very limited time because business must continue.”
DEMOREST
Only new customer applicants are permitted inside of city hall. All other customer water payments are being taken through drive-thru, night drop, phone and online. A decision will be made in the coming week on whether or not the city council will hold its next work session March 31. The fire department has closed to all non-essential visitors.
CLARKESVILLE
“If (COVID 19) gets into Habersham we’re going to shut our doors,” said City Manager Keith Dickerson. At that point, residents would have to pay bill by phone or dropbox. Future cancellations of meetings have yet to be decided. The fire department has closed its doors to visitors.
CORNELIA
City Hall is still open but encourages the public to call 706-778-8585 if they have questions and use the payment dropbox to limit exposure. People are encouraged to pay online or payment box. The Cornelia Depot is closed until further notice. The Police and Fire Departments are closed to the public.
MT. AIRY
The town of Mt. Airy asks that the public limit their time in city hall. It is also recommended to utilize the drop box when making payments. Residents can make arrangements by paying their utility bill online.
The Town Council still plans to host a work session on Monday, March 23. “We expect that meeting to be brief,” Jarrell said. The public is still invited but it is asked that anyone from who has traveled or feels sick to not attend.
COUNTY
The courthouse and administration buildings are open between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They require people to wash their hands to enter.
The Sheriffs Office Lobby is open 24 hours. Visitors must hand wash and be escorted to go beyond the lobby at the Sheriff’s department, jail visitation is cancelled. For all other Habersham County buildings, public access is not allowed without calling ahead.