Next phase of Hall County Government reopening plan begins Monday

Slowly but surely, Hall County Government facilities are reopening as the coronavirus pandemic appears to be easing across the state. 

 

The second phase of the county's reopening plan begins Monday, June 1, with Hall County's three community centers reopening their walking tracks and fitness centers. On Tuesday, June 2, the Hall County Animal Shelter will opening the facility to the public by appointment only. In addition, the Hall County Extension Office will open to the public by appointment only.

 

"This is the next step in the County's controlled reopening plan, which has been designed to protect both Hall County employees and the public as we seek to maintain social distancing guidelines as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, state officials and the White House," said Zach Propes, assistant Hall County Administrator, in a Friday afternoon press statement.

 

A number of departments within the Hall County Government Center reopened May 18 for appointments only. The Hall County Farmers Market also reopened with new health and safety measures in place.

 

"We have had an opportunity to evaluate and refine how we serve citizens during this unprecedented time, and we feel confident that we can expand our services to the public in a safe and thoughtful way," said Propes.

 

The Hall County Animal Shelter has been facilitating online adoptions for more than a month with appointments available Mondays through Thursdays. The shelter will now extend appointment availability to Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photos and information about each shelter pet will continue to be available online, which is also where the public can find adoption application forms.

 

Once an applicant submits their form, they will be allowed to schedule an appointment to see one animal. Appointments may be made by contacting Adoption Supervisor Trey Garcia at 678-450-1587 or [email protected]. Members of the public not interested in adoptions may also schedule appointments at the animal shelter using the same contact information listed above.

 

At Hall County's community centers, all indoor walking tracks will reopen. The fitness centers will reopen, as well, with some new guidelines in place.

 

"The fitness centers will be available for use in one-hour increments for six to eight people at a time by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.," Hall County Community Services and Parks Director Mike Little said. "Citizens are asked to call the community center and book an appointment with staff."

 

Phone numbers for each community center are listed below:

In addition, the fitness center equipment will be disinfected each hour after each session. Community center restrooms will also be cleaned and disinfected routinely.

 

"The community centers will not be open on Saturdays with the exception of May 30, when both the North Hall and East Hall community center will be open for early voting only," said Little.

 

The North Hall Technology Center will also be offering curbside library service beginning June 1, joining all other Hall County library branches. Virtual programs, including story times, continue via the library's Facebook page. More information is available at www.hallcountylibrary.org.

 

Additionally, the Hall County Extension Office is open to the public for appointments only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Anyone wishing to schedule an appointment can call one of the following people/numbers:

"Staff will re-evaluate this mode of operation in mid-June in order to determine when and how to further reopen County facilities as well as park playgrounds, pavilions and public restrooms," Propes said. "We want to continue to encourage the public to adhere to social distancing guidelines and other health and safety measures as we slowly resume some sense of normalcy here in Hall County."

 

Meanwhile, citizens are still encouraged to conduct County business on Hall County's website, www.hallcounty.org, if at all possible. Online motor vehicle services, including vehicle registration renewals, the payment of insurance fines, etc. are all available via the "Online Payments" button on the website. That's also where citizens can pay their property tax, renew their business license, and more.

 

The County's website can also be used to print an absentee ballot application or file property tax exemptions. Taxpayers should note that the deadline for filing a Homestead and Freeport Exemption has been extended to June 15.

 

The homepage of the website also includes a "Departments" heading where citizens can find links to individual County departments' contact information in order to contact a department specifically and determine whether or not their Hall County business can be conducted without an in-person visit.

 

For complete information on Hall County's response to the coronavirus pandemic, go to ready.hallcounty.org.