Public buildings set to be closed

Exceptions will be court operations and some appointments.

The Miami County commissioners said Wednesday they will close public buildings except for court operations and business by appointment to reduce traffic in buildings and protect employees due to the coronavirus.

“I think we should close to the public all of our buildings except for court ... If they (members of public) need something done at an office, they can call and make an appointment,” said Commissioner Ted Mercer. “I think we need to protect our employees.”

Commissioners Jack Evans and Greg Simmons agreed. “We are way too open compared to everybody else, probably throughout the state,” Evans said.

Specifics on how offices would operate — by rotating staff — were being discussed Wednesday with elected officials and department heads. The county 911 Central Communications Center staff already is working from two locations instead of all from the main center, Simmons said,

Commissioners will meet again with other elected officials and department heads today to discuss building closings, operations and other logistics, such as providing phone numbers for offices taking appointments.

The commissioners said they would vote at their meeting today to declare a state of emergency in the county. The declaration was suggested by EMA Director Joel Smith, who said it would be helpful in requests for resources, if needed.

Action as far as employee pay and other issues will be addressed. That and other issues were being discussed with legal counsel, said Leigh Williams, commission clerk/ administrator. Department heads will come up with schedules for staff and work with employees on availability.

“It can’t be perceived as a twoweek vacation. They have to be available to work,” Evans said.

The county had planned to begin taking temperatures of those entering buildings because a temperature is one symptom of the coronavirus but was unable to obtain infrared thermometers.

Sheriff Dave Duchak said efforts are being made to find other sources for the thermometers.