Houston County Set To Re-Open Offices

Posted May 13, 2020

On Monday, May 18, Houston County Buildings and most of the offices contained in them will reopen for public use for the first time in several weeks. In the interest of Public Health and Safety, there will be limitations on access and services and we are asking those who can use the web, mail-in, and drop-box services to please continue to do so. We can’t overemphasize the importance of this to our citizens as we work to try to stay safe from what is an ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.

Items of note for next week’s Administration Building opening:

Administration building will be open from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm. We anticipate lines and no one will be allowed to enter the line after 3:00.
In an effort to dilute the flow of citizens coming to transact business, tag renewals will be spread over several weeks with your renewal month assigned a specific week. Schedules will be distributed with this release.
As stated, we are asking citizens to not come to the Admin building if they are able to transact their business on the internet, via mail, or in the drop box which is now clearly marked with a red flag at the front of the building.
If you must enter the Admin Building, we ask that you wear a facial covering or mask in accordance with CDC, Alabama Public Health, and the Governor’s Guidelines. We want to keep you, your family, and our employees safe through this health crisis.
No family or friends will be allowed to enter the building with the person here to transact business. If you have others accompanying you, they will need to wait in the car. Additionally, no bags, backpacks, or other unnecessary items will be allowed in the building. Only bring what you need to transact your business.
As you enter the building, you will be screened. No one showing a temperature will be allowed admission into the building and will be encouraged to see a medical professional. Access to other buildings and offices will also be impacted.
The Houston County Courthouse will be operational to some degree as directed by the Alabama Supreme Court. Information and access to the offices in the Courthouse will be coming from the Court System with Security in place to assist.
The Houston County Sheriff’s Office will continue operation as they have in the past few weeks. Citizens are encouraged to transact business online if possible.
Houston County Road and Bridge will return to its normal schedule with all staff working a full schedule. No one will be allowed entry into the offices of the Road and Bridge Department at this time.

Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver reminded everyone that we are still battling this virus and asked that citizens continue to Stay Home and Stay Safe. “We are doing everything we can to weigh the balance between Safety for all and opening the County to transact the necessary business of its citizens. We can’t keep our citizens, employees, and families safe without your help” stated Chairman Culver.”

“Renew your tags and licenses online!”; suggested Probate Judge Patrick Davenport, giving the Probate website www.houstoncountyprobate.org. Judge Davenport also noted “Our community tag clerk locations unfortunately will remain closed until June 1st. We look forward to getting back out into the community at that time.”

Houston County Revenue Commissioner Starla Moss updated everyone on the Annual Tax Sale which is usually held in May. “We have moved the sale to June and will be announcing the date and location soon,” she said.

Houston County Circuit Clerk Carla Woodall gave an update on the plans for the reopening of the Court System.

For additional information, County offices may be contacted at 334/677-4740, Probate offices at 334/677-4729 and the general county website is www.houstoncounty.org. These plans and schedules are subject to change as they are implemented, and the need arises.