STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Commission will meet in special session Friday to discuss possibly closing county offices to the public due to the spread of COVID-19.
The virus continues to spread in neighboring counties, but so far Meade County only has one positive test — a person who has since recovered from the virus. However, Lawrence County now has 9 positive tests and it has been designated with community spread.
Commission Chairman Ted Seaman requested the special session to discuss the possible closure of county offices.
Offices are currently open to the public, although notices have been posted of the doors of the Erskine Building and courthouse building about spacing and other recommendations. Department heads have also been encouraging county business be done by mail, phone or email.
On the agenda, commissioners plan to discuss the following:
Discuss closing the Erskine Office Building to the public with staff continuing to work as normal
If the building is closed to the public, do we allow public access via appointment only?
Pennington County is closed to the public, but is allowing limited public access by appointment only after being screened by County staff at point of access
Lawrence County is closed to the public, and attempted to schedule appointments (too problematic)
Possible protocols
Remain open under current operations with CDC guidelines and warnings posted visibly (continuing to encourage public to utilize alternative methods of conducting business)
Close to the public, by appointment only
Appropriate department staff meet public at door to escort in and out of building during appointment
Hire temporary staff to manage building access (and potential screening), potential FEMA reimbursement for part of wages
Close to the public, and utilize dropbox and alternate methods to service public.
The commission will meet Friday, April 3, at 4:00 p.m.
