ALL WASHINGTON CO. OFFICES NOW CLOSED TO WALK-INS; STILL NO CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19
To further help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Washington County leaders announced today (Monday) that all county offices are now closed to the public on a walk-in basis.
At a press conference this afternoon at the Washington County Courthouse, County Judge John Durrenberger announced these changes are being made in order to protect county employees while still providing services to residents. Those that need access to county offices can still call said office to set up an appointment.
Limited public entrance to the courthouse is through the west door on Park Street. Everyone requesting access will be screened before they are granted access. Durrenberger said screening will be done by answering these three questions:
- Have you felt feverish or experienced respiratory symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath?
- Within the past 14 days, have you been on a cruise ship or traveled to countries that are on travel restriction, including China, Iran, South Korea, the United Kingdom or most of Europe?
- Have you been in contact with someone who has, or is suspected to have, COVID-19?
A full list of offices that are now accessible by appointment only can be seen below, or on the county’s website, www.co.washington.tx.us.
Durrenberger said, as of 2 p.m. this afternoon, Washington County does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19. Residents are asked to continue complying with Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration, as well as the disaster declarations of Brenham and Washington County.
Durrenberger said he is very proud of what he has heard from local grocers about the community’s response to the pandemic.
Durrenberger also announced the county and the City of Brenham are collaborating with Faith Mission to put together a 1-800 number for a call center regarding COVID-19. More information about the call center is expected to be released soon.
Washington County health authority Dr. William Loesch also spoke at the press conference, reiterating the importance of social distancing. He also explained the options available for citizens to get tested for the virus.
Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak was also present, discussing what law enforcement is doing to “slow this virus down and stop it in its tracks”.
Durrenberger gave a reminder that the renewal date for vehicle licenses and driver licenses has been extended 60 days past the current expiration date.
For commissioners court meetings, Durrenberger said he has been informed by legal counsel from the Texas Association of Counties that meetings are not considered social gatherings, so more than ten people can be allowed inside the commissioners courtroom. However, to comply with the six-feet social distancing requirement from health authorities, meetings will only be able to hold the nine essential members of the court, two members of the media, and nine other citizens. Durrenberger said he hopes this situation is resolved in the near future.
These offices may be accessed by appointment only:
Tax Assessor Collector: 979-277-6218; email – dborchgardt@wacounty.com.
County Clerk: 979-277-6216; email – brothermel@wacounty.com.
District Clerk: 979-277-6231; email – pdiggs@wacounty.com.
County Attorney: 979-277-6214; email – ccarroll@wacounty.com.
County Court at Law: 979-277-6227; email – pbland@wacounty.com.
County Judge: 979-277-6220; email – countyjudge@wacounty.com.
District Attorney: 979-277-6247; email – fwegner@wacounty.com.
District Court: 979-277-6232; email – lmitchell@wacounty.com.
Elections: 979-277-6216 ext. 5311; email – cjackson@wacounty.com.
Environmental Health: 979-277-6290; email – mmarzahn@wacounty.com.
Fairgrounds: 979-836-2299; email – dwilder@wacounty.com.
Human Resources: 979-277-6236; email – dreimer@wacounty.com.
Justice of the Peace Offices:
Precinct One: 979-277-6260; email – jp1clerk@wacounty.com.
Precinct Two: 979-830-5008; email – jp2clerk@wacounty.com.
Precinct Three: 979-277-6225; email – jp3clerk@wacounty.com.
Precinct Four: 979-289-2921; email – jp4clerk@wacounty.com.
Sheriff’s Office: 979-277-6251; email – jpetrash@wacounty.com or jwatson@wacounty.com.
EMS Department: 979-277-6267; email – aklussmann@wacounty.com.
Dispatch: 979-277-7373; email kstamnes@wacounty.com.
DPS: 979-836-1975; email – dkrause@wacounty.com.
Road and Bridge Department: 979-277-6275; email – wcrboffice@wacounty.com.
Addressing: 979-277-6281; email – dcunningham@wacounty.com.
Treasurer: 979-277-6224; email – dschultz@wacounty.com.
Veteran’s Office: 979-277-6228; email – eposern@wacounty.com.
Auditor’s Office: 979-277-6229; email – sstolz@wacounty.com.
Constable’s Office:
Precinct One: 979-251-2577
Precinct Two: 979-830-5617
Precinct Three: 979-277-8111
Precinct Four: 979-337-2083
They were today, went by the recycling center and there were about 5 vehicles in there. Looks like with this stay at home, people have been cleaning out their closets and everything else.
I earlier attempted to post a comment and in all honesty it was somewhat tongue in cheek. My comment said that the new requirements for access to our town hall were very stringent. I actually meant they weren’t near stringent enough. While my post was apparently barred I should have said more. Folks this is very serious…it’s going to get much worse before it gets better. We’ve lost what could have been a 1 1/2 to 2 month head start on this. Please take this very seriously. Our day to day life is going to change.
Are the recycling center and collection still open as usual?
Great! Now time for the city to do the same!