County offices to reopen starting Tuesday

Local government offices will reopen in stages starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

The Johnson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to reopen offices at a Friday afternoon meeting. The three-member board made the decision following Gov. Eric Holcomb’s announcement that certain businesses, including some government offices, could begin opening starting Monday.

The commissioners decided Tuesday to give the Johnson County Maintenance Department time to install sneeze guards in county offices.

Starting Tuesday, West Annex offices will reopen, but certain restrictions will be in place. Only the building’s east entrance will be open.

The commissioners did not establish specific limits on gatherings, but Sheriff Duane Burgess said a deputy will be assigned to the west annex to help maintain social distancing.

The following county offices will accept visitors by appointment only: extension office, highway department and veteran’s services.

The Johnson County Animal Shelter and park’s office will be open, but with restrictions in place.

The following county offices will remain closed to the public until further notice: sheriff’s office, jail, 911 communications, public safety training center and health department.

The Johnson County courthouse, prosecutor’s office, east annex, north annex, community corrections and juvenile center will remain closed until at least May 18, following an order from the Indiana Supreme Court.

No decision was made on reopening the Johnson County Museum. The commissioners said they are going to take a closer look at the governor’s order before making a determination.

County employees are asked to observe proper hand washing and respiratory etiquette, and may wear face coverings if they so choose, said Shena Johnson, county attorney.

Wipes, personal protective equipment and plexiglass barriers will be in use to make transactions safer for both county employees and residents, Johnson said.

County offices will also have sign-in sheets posted at each office to assist local and state health departments with contact tracing for any individual who may later test positive for COVID-19, she said.

Residents who plan to remain at home may continue to conduct business over the phone or online with county departments. For more information about a specific department’s policies, visit co.johnson.in.us to locate the department’s webpage.