The Stevens County Board of County Commissioners met via Zoom conference call for a special meeting Monday morning, May 4 with all members, Tron Stegman, Pat Hall and Joe D. Thompson accounted for. Also accounted for were County Clerk Amy Jo Tharp, County Counselor Paul Kitzke and RoGlenda Coulter for The Hugoton Hermes. Many county entities were present via Zoom also.

The Commissioners were discussing with Vanessa Willis of how to open the Treasurer’s Office to the public due to concerns of wearing a face mask. Vanessa stated she is too claustrophobic to wear a face mask and one of her employees is allergic to the face masks the courthouse has for usage. She did state she could do curbside appointments.

Amy Tharp stated she is purchasing some portable plexi-glass stands and asked Paula Rowden if those were put into place if face masks would need to be required. Paula said they would not have to wear a mask if they had the shield and those would actually be better than the masks. Paula also said even material masks or some sort of face covering works better than nothing, such as a scarf or bandana.

Discussion about the drop box was brought up. There is one department that doesn’t want a drop box for their customers, so that made the final determination – there will be no outside drop box at the courthouse.

The Appraisers Office said they prefer people to conduct their business by e-mail or phone but will work with the client if they need to be seen in person.

Jayme Muncy, deputy treasurer, said she can handle the public in person and can wear a mask long enough for such business. She also stated most business can be conducted over the phone, mail or email except for title work.

It has been determined that all departments in the courthouse are open to the public by appointment only. The customer must wear a mask when inside the building conducting business. Each courthouse employee will wear a mask when conducting business in person with a customer unless the plexi-glass has been implemented.

The department heads are in charge of conducting business how they see as safe for each of their employees whether it be curbside, meet at the door or in person. There will be screenings which have been approved by Paula Rowden and a temperature scan in order to enter the building. Also the person wanting to enter, must bring their own mask.

*Commissioners had met earlier for a special meeting, Friday, May 1 to discuss the speech from the governor. All three Commissioners were present as were Amy Jo, Paul, RoGlenda and approximately 36 other county residents, county department heads and employees via Zoom.

The governor’s orders were discussed. The phases of openings were talked over and it seems a lot of restrictions were the same for the first phase as in the beginning in March.

Pioneer Manor is still in lock-down. The courthouse will be by appointment only and they will have to bring their own masks. Most courthouse business can be done by mail or email. Motion was made and passed to limit no more than two people in an office at a time, must have face covering, be by appointment only and must pass a screening at the entrance before being allowed in. It was suggested that they also provide contact information.

The issue of property taxes was talked over. There is no extension provided in this area. They are due May 10 and late fees will be charged after that. Payments can be mailed in.

Hand sanitizer will be available at the doors of the offices. It was decided to leave details to the department heads.

Paula Rowden said the hospital is doing testing and her department is doing the follow-up work. She said that if a patient testing positive needs hospitalization – so far – they will be transferred. She suggested talking to hospital staff about that.

Linda Stalcup advised there will be no visitation in the Manor until after June 1. She said if a ventilator is needed the patient will be transferred. Linda advised that testing is going great – the staff is doing a great job.

Lupe with Acosta’s-Nietos discussed details for his possible opening dine-in for his business. He has been in constant contact with the Health Department. He is thinking of opening the west door of his business for coming and going and paying at the table to keep safe distancing.

Meeting adjourned.