Several offices and buildings in local government have announced changes to their business routines in hopes of reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Sheriff’s office/police
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office announced preventative measures Sunday to protect staff, inmates and the public, according to Sheriff Randy Retter.
Patrol deputies will adjust their responses to routine calls, with many non-emergent services to be handled over the phone, such as some reports. Emergency call responses will remain the same.
All non-essential office services should be handled by phone, email or website, such as gun permits, records requests, obtaining copies of reports and related activities. Copies of reports can be requested by emailing pwolf@co.wayne.in.us or cmccauley@co.wayne.in.us. Call (765) 973-9393 for more information.
Essential services such as sheriff sales and cash bonding will continue with increased precautions.
All newly admitted inmates undergo medical screening at the time of intake, including a temperature check and health-related questions. Isolation and quarantine plans are in place if an incarcerated person would test positive for COVID-19.
The jail is limiting visitor access, suspending jail programs and visits by volunteers, although attorneys can visit their clients with additional precautions in place.
On-site inmate visitation is suspended, but remote video visitation will continue as normal at inmatecanteen.com. Costs associated with the remote visitation are being temporarily reduced to allow greater access. Inmate Canteen also provides an easy means to make account deposits and purchase commissary items remotely.
Cambridge City Police Department will be answering more of its calls for service over the telephone. “Minor report calls” and “Speak with officer” calls that do not necessarily require a police officer to arrive in person will be taken over the phone to protect residents and officers. Residents are asked to call (765) 478-1231 for any police inquiries.
Those wanting to enter Richmond Municipal Building will do so at the lower level through the police department lobby and will undergo a temperature check and brief health screening.
County/town/city government
City and county facilities are adjusting access by citizens and employees to government buildings.
Wayne County
Those entering Wayne County Government Annex Building will do so through the south doors connected to the parking lot, and the courthouse will be open at the east doors. Visitors and employees will undergo a brief health screening, including a temperature check. Those with a fever of 99.6 degrees or higher won’t be granted access.
County officials ask citizens enter buildings only if absolutely necessary and to exhaust all other options such as internet and phone calls before traveling to county facilities. Those with court cases pending should contact the courts directly with inquiries.
Those wanting to enter Richmond Municipal Building will do so at the lower level through the police department lobby and will undergo a temperature check and brief health screening.
All other city-owned buildings will close access to the public, and Richmond Senior Community Center will close until further notice. All parks-sponsored events, such as the farmer’s market, will be canceled or postponed.
Roseview Transit and Para-transit will continue operations as scheduled.
Mayor Dave Snow will issue an executive order suspending all sanitation late fees and disconnections until further notice, allowing citizens the opportunity to avoid city facilities. Those with questions about their bill or other arrangements should contact the sanitation department.
Cambridge City Municipal Building will be closed to the public until further notice. Citizens can still pay their utilities through the drop box. Staff will be present to answer any phone calls at (765) 478-3522 regarding water or trash service.
Milton’s town board has decided to shut down its city building until further notice. Utility bills may be paid via the drop box, mail or credit card (call office phone 478-3818). No late penalties will incur this month due to the inconvenience.
For other matters, call (765) 541-1058 or (765) 960-8636 if needed.
Dublin’s town hall will remain closed to the public until further notice. Utility payments (checks/money orders) may be placed in the drop box west of the door, mailed or paid online (credit card fees apply) at dublinin.org. Residents can set up autopay to have payments taken out directly from their account on the 15th of each month with no fees. Due dates will remain.
Wayne Township Trustee now has an additional (mobile) phone number, (765) 969-2372. Residents are asked to call the office at (765) 973-9392 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. daily) before coming to the office.
If office hours are limited or someone can’t be reached at the office, residents may call (or text) the new number (765) 969-2372.
Employees will be doing initial assistance interviews by telephone to minimize the amount of time and number of trips clients have to visit the office during the crisis.