COUNTY GOV'T FACILITIES CLOSED TO PUBLIC WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS

COUNTY GOV'T FACILITIES CLOSED TO PUBLIC WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/19/2020

The Dearborn County Commissioners have made the decision, effective immediately, to implement controlled access procedures at all Dearborn County Government facilities, including the Government Center and Courthouse at 165 Mary Street, the Probation Offices, the Emergency Management Building and the highway garage facilities as well as the Animal Control office.   Basically, the facilities are CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, except for scheduled court hearings and other office appointments.  The purpose of controlling access is to protect visitors and employees while still providing essential services to the public.   

The offices will remain staffed during normal business hours but the public is being asked to conduct business via phone, online or fax. You may contact an office to see if an appointment would be allowed for your purpose of business. The public is emphatically encouraged to contact the office you have business with, in advance, to arrange an appointment.  To reach the Government Center, please call 812-537-1040.

If you visit the Government Center for essential business, there is a phone in the entry area.  You will be required to call the department you wish to visit to see if a face to face appointment is absolutely necessary and your visit must be approved by the department.   A list of department extensions is available in the lobby; or call 812-537-1040 in advance.

  

All visitors will be screened for potential flu-like symptoms and may be denied access.

All visitors will be “signed-in” to allow future contact, if necessary.

The various offices in the Government Center have specific procedures and remote tools available for your convenience and assistance.  Please contact the office supporting your needs for specific procedures and, if appropriate, access assistance.  Please call first.  

  

The Courts will remain open.  However, all non-urgent hearings are being rescheduled.  Hearings for defendants in custody, detained juveniles, and emergency CHINS (child in need of services); domestic violence matters; and other emergency matters will be held.  If you have a pending court case you MUST contact the court to see if your case is scheduled.   Individuals with court business must contact the specific court or the Clerk’s Office in advance.  

 

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Tax bills can be mailed or put in the drop boxes located at the front of the Government Center. Tax bills can also be paid online at: https://www.govtechtaxpro.com/parceldetail.php?idCounty=15015

Child support payments can be mailed or put in the drop boxes.  

Any court fees can be mailed or paid online at  https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/cyg/plc/a00365

The Assessor’s office will have a drop box for personal property forms. 

The COVID-19 has created an unprecedented situation and Dearborn County will follow all guidelines and instructions from our State and Federal leaders as well as the CDC.  This limited access policy will remain in effect until further notice and is subject to update at any given time. 

The Commissioners ask for your patience and understanding.  We intend to continue providing support to all citizens.  These difficult times force all of us to be cautious, to protect our health, and to take unusual but necessary precautions.  Be safe.

Dearborn County Board of Commissioners

Jim Thatcher, President

Rick Probst

Art Little