County offices will scale back access beginning on Monday. Benton County Mayor Brett Lashlee said on Saturday afternoon, “In light of the current health threat to our citizens, Benton County Government offices will implement a modified access plan to conducting business between the citizens and their governmental offices. All Essential and Emergency Services will remain available to the public which includes our Health, Highway, and Sheriff’s Departments. The Senior Citizens Center and County Volunteer Program have been closed until further notice. However, other county offices will invoke different access processes based around their operating hours and environments. We know there are cases where in-person activity has to be done and so we want to be responsive to our citizen’s needs. The main desire of these modified access practices is to limit as much as possible employee-public direct contact and a promotion of spreading illnesses and viruses, especially the one known as Coronavirus. I also wish to emphasize to please call ahead first before visiting a government office. Most inquiries can be solved over a phone conversation.”
Lashlee continued, “There may come a time where all access to government offices is restricted and possibly even a total closure of our offices; we are not at that point yet. Benton County Government will continue to monitor the current situations and make prompt and proper responses at deemed appropriate.”
He finished with, “We want to thank the citizens for their continued patience and understanding during these unpredictable and unprecedented times. Please support our local businesses and pray for our fellow citizens good health and welfare. We will get through this together!”
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