Washington County Courthouse closed to public

WASHINGTON - Effective at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, the Washington County Courthouse will be closed to the public.

Supervisor Jack Seward said the county was actively looking at ways to reduce the amount of contact the public has with one another. One of those solutions is closing public spaces to prevent people from congregating.

'There has been a lot of talk about ways to flatten the curve and reduce the spread so we are trying to find ways to do so,” he said.

In the resolution ready by supervisor Stan Stoops, it was stated the courthouse will be closed at 12 p.m. and in effect 'as long as the national and state emergency exists regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Essential personnel will be allowed entry and person-to-person appointments will be granted only if deemed absolutely necessary. A directory of phone numbers and further information is available on the county website, Seward said.

County treasurer Jeff Garrett said those who need to make payments may call the courthouse to make arrangements, pay online or drop off payments in the drop box without coming into the building. No driver's licenses will be issued at this time during the public closure.

The court system will still be active and anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the clerk's office. Hearings will continue as scheduled but public access into the building will only be granted through a phone call to the clerk's office.

The recorders office will be suspending passport processing during this time and those who use the mobile food pantry provided by HACAAP on April 2 should expect boxes to be delivered to vehicles to avoid the public from congregating.

The clerk's office can be reached at: 319-653-7741

The treasurer's office can be reached at: 319-653-7721