Starke County government officials are considering ways to keep their employees and the public safe, amid the threat of coronavirus. A number of ideas were raised during an emergency county commissioners meeting Thursday afternoon.
As the primary election approaches, voters are being urged to vote by mail whenever possible. When it comes to property tax payments, Treasurer Kay Chaffins said she’s encouraging residents to mail them in, use the county’s website, or put them in the drop box at Annex Building No. 1, rather than going in the office. She stressed that her staff will still be available to answer any questions by phone.
Officials are also looking into some changes for Starke County government meetings. While state law requires the members of the actual governing body to attend meetings in person in order to vote, anyone else can take part remotely. The county council president and commissioners generally agreed to allow department heads to submit their reports in advance and be available by phone if they have any questions. An internet stream could be set up for the public, and meetings could be held outdoors, when weather permits.
Health Nurse Frank Lynch stressed that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Starke County, and at this point, it isn’t the type of situation that would require a shutdown of any government operations. He noted that 80 percent of those with COVID-19 only experience minor symptoms.
Still, Lynch encouraged county officials to take some common-sense steps to slow the spread of illness, such as regularly disinfecting offices, and putting tissues and trash cans in place for visitors to use. Plans are also in place to install sneeze guards, and spread out any lines of people waiting in county offices.
