BOCC COVID-19 UPDATES - MOST RECENT UPDATES ARE AT TOP OF PAGE

 

Small Business & Nonprofit Grants through Washington CARES Act

 

http://www.grantedc.com/grants/

EDC Press Release

 

Washington CARES Act Grants:

• These Grants are REIMBURSABLE and cover LOST REVENUE.
• The Application must be filled out COMPLETELY.
• Grants are available to both Small Businesses AND Nonprofits.
• There will be a list of expenses that are approved and not approved

Clerk's Office Update - March 1, 2021

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

 

Effective Monday, March 1, 2021, the Grant County Clerk's Office will resume regular office hours. The Clerk's Office is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:30pm and also available by phone until 5:00pm Please see the Clerk's Office web page regarding special hours for processing passport applications.

Clerk's Office Update - July 28, 2020

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Effective August 1, 2020, the ex parte fee at the Grant County Clerk’s Office will again be due.  If you are mailing in orders for the Clerk’s office to present, you must pay the $30.00 ex parte fee in advance – in a separate check – by mailing to the Grant County Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 37, Ephrata, WA  98823.

After August 1^st, orders with no ex parte fee will be filed in the court file as a “proposed order” and will not be presented to the court.

No Fee Alternatives for presenting orders to the court:

• Schedule a time via the Court Administrator’s Office for you to present your order to a judge ex parte.

• Note the matter on a docket for you to present your order to the court.  (See the court’s emergency orders regarding presentation of orders at a Webex hearing.)

Fairgrounds Office Open - June 1, 2020

We opened today with normal hours of 8-5, closed for lunch from noon to 1. We have protective measures in place and plenty of masks.

Assessor's Office Update - June 1, 2020

The Grant County Assessor’s Office will be opening with limited access maintaining Grant Health District’s guidelines for phase 2 Tuesday June 2, 2020. We highly encourage the public to utilize the Grant County’s website for most business dealings.

 We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during the COVID crisis.

Auditors Office Update - June 1, 2020

Grant County Auditor’s office will be opening with limited access maintaining Grant Health District’s guidelines for phase 2 Tuesday June 2, 2020. We highly encourage the public to utilize the Grant County’s website

for most business dealings.

 

We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during the COVID crisis.

District Court Office Update - May 29, 2020

 Effective Thursday, June 4th:

District Court will resume our regular business hours and court schedule.

Our Office Hours are 8:30 am to 12:00pm and 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

Social Distancing regulations will need to be followed.

If you have any questions about your court date, please call our office at

509-754-2011 ext. 3101.

This will be effective until further notice. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Grant County Fair Cancelled for 2020

The 2020 Grant County Fair, which was expecting 100,000 people over five days, has been cancelled according to Fair Director Jim McKiernan. “We put quite a bit of planning into this year’s Fair and had some great entertainment lined up,” said McKiernan. “But the regulations for reopening and the Health District requirements made the Fair financially unfeasible,” he added. The Fair typically is a break-even proposition and has slowly moved to paying for itself with the potential for revenue to be slightly more than expenses. The Fairgrounds was notified recently that the Health District saw no way that the Carnival could safely be part of Fair this year.

 

“We have been on constant conference calls with other Fairs, our Livestock Committee, the WSU Extension office, staff and the County Commissioners. Many other Fairs look to the Grant County Fair as an example of a true Ag-based Fair and applauded our efforts to move forward despite overwhelming odds,” said McKiernan. “But it became obvious late last week with the Health Districts notice that the State may not even move to Phase 4 until after Summer, there was no way we could manage the crowds expected and still adhere to the social distancing rules.” McKiernan went on to say the large concerts planned were also to be held in a festival seating venue with no way to manage social distancing, further causing additional cancellations.

 

The Fair staff and Livestock Committee are still working to plan some type of showing and Judging for youth who have purchased animals. “We are one of the largest livestock auctions in the State, McKiernan touted. “We need to do something to help these kids get their livestock projects completed and the animals sold.”

 

Details of the potential showing and auction will be sent out through the Fairgrounds Facebook page and website once the plan is finalized.

The Fairgrounds staff will be processing reimbursements for Carnival wristbands, Vendor payments and Fair Camping over the next few weeks. The Parking and open registration for camping will be delayed until a plan is finalized for the youth livestock judging and auction. Emails will be sent out soon regarding camping reimbursements to confirm cancellation to those who have already registered. Watch gcfairgrounds.com for more details.

Grant County's Request to Move to Phase 2 Approved 05-23-20

 

Resolution 20-048-CC

Workplace Safety Guidance

State law requires an employer to keep a safe and healthy workplace.

 

Under the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation, employers are required to implement a social distancing plan, conduct frequent cleaning and sanitizing, and ensure frequent and proper hand washing.

 

For the safety of our employees as well as the public, the Courthouse campus has added additional sanitization services, which are performed on a daily basis. Each office has developed a social distancing plan tailored to allow all essential operations of the office to continue while mitigating the risk to the employees. 

 

Grant County Health District "COVID-19 SMART" Business Operation Plan Guidance

Grant County Commissioners Public Statement

As the Grant County Commissioners, we do not want to give misleading information that we have the authority to open the County. This statutory authority lies with the Governor and we are required to follow the Governors order.

We understand the plight and angst that all of our constituents are going through. We have sent several letters to the Governor asking him to reconsider opening Grant County and have been in constant communication with the Governor’s Office. Attached below is the most recent letter we are sending in hopes to encourage Governor Inslee to allow us to take back local control and reopen our county.

 The Courthouse has remained open during this time and all offices are still available for services, however many offices have chosen to close physically to the public at the discretion of the Elected Official or Department Head. We have continued to receive guidance on reopening offices to the public and have again, left it to the Elected Officials and Department Heads discretion.

We want to thank you for the numerous phone calls and emails to our office. We have heard the many requests to reopen and we assure all of you, as soon as we are authorized to do so, we WILL begin reopening Grant County in accordance to the Governors phased approach (see attachment below). We ask that you please continue to be diligent and understanding during this tumultuous time.

Commissioners Letter to Governor Inslee

Phased Chart

Governor Announces “Low Risk” Construction Restart

Governor Inslee issued an addendum to Proclamation 20-25 allowing the restart of construction on a limited basis and effective upon his signature. Once executed by the Governor, building permit inspections can resume for all existing, low-risk construction sites that are compliant with the Governor’s “Phase 1 Construction Restart COVID-19 Job Site Requirements”. These conditions must be met before scheduling your inspection and maintained throughout the duration of the Governor’s order. If these measures are not present at your construction site, the inspection will be deferred until the measures are in place. A copy of the Governor’s order and the Phase 1 site requirements will be posted at: http://www.grantcountywa.gov/GCDS/Building/ as soon as it is available. Please be advised these standards apply to all low-risk, existing construction sites both owner-contractor and contractor managed alike.

Grant County Landfill Open Effective Monday April 27, 2020

The Grant County Landfill will open back up to the public effective Monday, April 27th with regular operating hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Due to the potential increase in traffic, expect delays and please be patient.

 

Be advised that the social distancing guidelines including a minimum of 6 feet of separation shall be adhered to. We ask that you respectfully follow the direction of the landfill employees. If there is blatant disregard of the 6-foot separation guidelines it will be addressed accordingly and continued disregard may result in being asked to leave.

 

The landfill water pump is currently down so there is no public access to potable water or public restrooms.

 

Dropboxes are to remain closed until further notice.

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please direct questions to (509) 754-4319.

Public Service Announcement Regarding Changes to

Residential Final Inspections

Grant County Development Services will immediately begin accepting residential FINAL INSPECTIONS for the purposes of completing a pending real estate transaction. Evidence of the pending real estate transaction must accompany all FINAL INSPECTION requests and the inspection will not be conducted until this evidence is provided. No occupancy of a residence may occur until the final inspection is conducted and approved by Grant County Development Services. Strict compliance with the limitations set forth by the Governor’s March 27, 2020 Real Estate and Mortgage Guidance must be maintained at the subject site, failure to follow these limitations will delay an inspection.

Grant County Landfill Open for Charge Accounts Only

Effective Friday April 17, 2020

 

Effective Friday April 17, 2020 the Grant County Landfill will open to businesses with charge accounts during normal hours of operation: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The landfill will not be allowing for cash services and will continue to be temporarily closed to the public until further notice.

 

For businesses who wish to obtain a charge account, please visit the Public Works website and fill out an application.

 

We ask that you please continue to utilize commercial and curb side pickup.

  

Contact the landfill for special handling situations (509) 754-4319.  Such as: deceased animals, rotting or about to rot waste, health/safety related items.

POLICY UPDATE

• 1505 Electronic Signature Policy 2020-04-14

• Grant County Resolution for Policy Changes 2020-04-14

#GRANT STRONG COMMUNITY RESOURCE LISTS

Enhancing the wellbeing of our Community Members

ENGLISH V1.2 2020-04-08    SPANISH V1.2 2020-04-08  

04-08-20 COVID-19 Updates from Human Resources

• New Leave Options Under FFCRA 2020-04-08 - Updated

• COVID Leave Decisions 2020-03-30

• HIPPA Concerns & Medial Privacy with COVID-19 2020-03-24

• Grant County Resolution for Directive 2020-03-24

• Grant County Resolution for Policy Changes 2020-03-24

• COVID-19 Supervisor Guidelines 2020-03-18

• COVID-19 Employee Guidelines 2020-03-18

• COVID-19 Resource Flyer 2020-03-18

• COVID-19 Scenarios & Benefits Available 2020-03-17

04-06-20 Offices Closing to the Public or Limiting Public Services

 

Effective Monday, April 6th Due to COVID-19

 

District Court will be closed to the public coming into our Ephrata Office

Mondays through Thursdays. 

 

Our Office will continue to answer phones. 

If you would like to file something, you may slide it under the door in Ephrata, or use the Drop Box in Moses Lake.  Please be sure to include your case number on any filing. 

 

Court Proceedings will still continue for the Daily New Bookings and 1:33 DUIs as well as the Wednesday Jail Docket. 

 

Our Offices will be open on Fridays from 8:30 am to 12:00pm and

12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. 

 

 

This will be effective until further notice. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Household Hazardous Waste Event Postponed

 

 The Grant County Household Hazardous Waste Collection event previously scheduled for May 2, 2020 near Moses Lake has been postponed.  The event has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 27.  Questions may be directed to Grant County Solid Waste at 509-754-6082 ext. 3508. 

Grant County Landfill Temporary Closure to the Public

Effective Friday April 3rd, 2020

 

To help ensure social distancing and comply with the Governors Stay Home, Stay Healthy order Grant County’s Landfill will be temporarily closing to the public until further notice effective Friday, April 3, 2020.

*Please utilize commercial and curb side pickup.

 

The landfill will continue to be open to commercial haulers.

 

Contact the landfill for special handling situations (509) 754-4319.  Such as: deceased animals, rotting or about to rot waste, health/safety related items.

Development Services Update #2 Effective 03-27-2020

The Grant County Development Services office will remain closed to the public until further notice. 

                       

Staffing during this period will fluctuate with several staff telecommuting.  Fire investigation response will remain extremely limited for the foreseeable future. 

 

During this unique time period, we will only accept new building, fire, and land use applications by U.S. mail, FedEx, or UPS (or other similar courier services). Issued permits will be mailed to permit applicant.

 

Application fees and deposits do not need to accompany building and fire permit application submittals at this time, however, no permits will be issued until the full permit fee has been paid.  All land use application fees must accompany the submittal.  Credit cards will be accepted over the phone for payment during this office closure period. 

 

2020 Comprehensive Plan Amendment applications are still due on March 31, 2020.  Applications can be submitted via FedEx or UPS on that day, if applications are mailed, they must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2020 and are received in our office no later than the close of business on April 3, 2020.

 

The Governor has concluded that most construction is not an essential function at this time.  As such, building inspections are limited to those inspections of structures consistent with the Governor’s order including: a) construction related to essential activities as described in the order; b) to further a public purpose related to a public entity or governmental function or facility, including but not limited to publicly financed low-income housing; or c) to prevent spoliation and avoid damage or unsafe conditions, and address emergency repairs at both non-essential businesses and residential structures.  To verify if your activity is essential, please utilize the following link to obtain verification from the State of Washington - https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d4c155fa930f4b848f95774d610c9708

 

All scheduled land use hearing with the Hearing Examiner and Planning Commission are officially postponed until a date to be specified after April 24, 2020 consistent with Washington State Attorney General’s guidance on conducting public meetings during this unprecedented time.  When the postponed meetings are convened, an electronic participation option will be available and included in any future notice of hearing.

 

For all of your building and fire permitting questions please contact (509) 754-2011, extension 3001.  For all of your land use and planning questions, please contact (509) 754-2011, extension 2537.  We appreciate your patience in this unprecedented time, and we will make every effort possible to continue available permit services based on staffing levels.

Superior Court Emergency Administrative Orders

Superior Court Order No 6

Superior Court Order No. 7

GRANT COUNTY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PUBLIC RECORDS ACTS CHANGES

On March 24, 2020 Governor Inslee signed a proclamation (20-28) temporarily prohibiting in-person contacts with the public that are required by the Open Public Meeting Act (OPMA) and the Public Records Act (PRA), suspending some statutory language that would require such contacts. A copy of the proclamation can be found on our website under the Grant County Commissioner’s COVID-19 Updates section.

Pursuant to this proclamation, all in person public meetings are suspended until further notice.  Public meetings that do happen will be accessible either online or through conference call. All meetings will have a unique Cisco WebEx session and the pertinent details will be advertised on our County website under the Commissioner’s agendas section.  For further details or information, please call the Commissioners Office at (509) 754-2011 ext 2901.

The Public Records Act 5 day letter requirements are suspended until further notice. Grant County’s Public Records Office will still strive to maintain compliance if at all reasonably possible however providing documents may be delayed under the Public Records Act. Grant County is not providing or arranging for in-person PRA business contacts with the public at any agency offices or facilities until further notice. Grant County will use alternative communication methods for PRA business with requestors such as phone, mail, email our online portal. For further details or information, please call the Public Records Officer at (509) 754-2011 ext 2938.

Governors Proclamation 20-28 2020-03-25

Directive from the Commissioner's for all Employees

In line with the Health Officer recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Commissioners are now REQUIRING all employees to practice social distancing and limit contact of people within 6 feet from each other for 10 minutes or longer. This includes working with the public AS WELL AS interacting with other county employees such as taking breaks and prolonged interactions within the office.

 We are also highly encouraging all employees to wear nose and mouth coverings at all times within the work place, wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

03-24-20 Offices Closing to the Public or Limiting Public Services

 

Sheriff's Office:

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has closed the main office at the Grant County Courthouse.
 
Fingerprinting, Concealed Pistol Licenses, and other administrative services have been suspended until FURTHER NOTICE.  Sheriff’s Office personnel are working remotely and are available to answer your calls at (509)754-2011, ext. 2001.
 
For the civil department, dial ext. 2012.  For evidence and property, please dial ext. 2013.  For all other inquiries, or to report a non-emergent crime, please call MAC  Dispatch at (509)762-1160.
 
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
 
===
 
Where to call for info, and where not to call…
 
Please do not call 911 for COVID-19 or “Stay at Home” inquiries. Our 911 call takers and dispatchers continue to serve all of our 911 customers at the highest level.
 
The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, or how the virus is spread, please call 1-800-525-0127. Phone lines are currently staffed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m, seven days a week. Please note that this call center cannot access COVID-19 testing results. For testing inquiries or results, please contact your health care provider.
 
If you have an emergency, please call 911.

 

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has closed the main office at the Grant County Courthouse.
 
Fingerprinting, Concealed Pistol Licenses, and other administrative services have been suspended until April 1, 2020.  Sheriff’s Office personnel are working remotely and are available to answer your calls at (509)754-2011, ext. 2001.
 
For the civil department, dial ext. 2012.  For evidence and property, please dial ext. 2013.  For all other inquiries, or to report a non-emergent crime, please call MAC  Dispatch at (509)762-1160.
 
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
 
===
 
Where to call for info, and where not to call…
 
Please do not call 911 for COVID-19 or “Stay at Home” inquiries. Our 911 call takers and dispatchers continue to serve all of our 911 customers at the highest level.
 
The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, or how the virus is spread, please call 1-800-525-0127. Phone lines are currently staffed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m, seven days a week. Please note that this call center cannot access COVID-19 testing results. For testing inquiries or results, please contact your health care provider.
 
If you have an emergency, please call 911.

 

Development Services:

 

The Grant County Development Services office will remain closed to the public until further notice. 

                       

Staffing during this period will fluctuate with several staff telecommuting.  Fire investigation response will remain extremely limited for the foreseeable future. 

 

During this unique time period, we will only accept new building, fire, and land use applications by U.S. mail, FedEx, or UPS (or other similar courier services). Issued permits will mailed to permit applicant.

 

Application fees and deposits do not need to accompany building and fire permit application submittals at this time, however, no permits will be issued until the full permit fee has been paid.  All land use application fees must accompany the submittal.  Credit cards will be accepted over the phone for payment during this office closure period. 

 

2020 Comprehensive Plan Amendment applications are still due on March 31, 2020.  Applications can be submitted via FedEx or UPS on that day, if applications are mailed, they must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2020 and are received in our office no later than the close of business on April 3, 2020.

 

Building permit inspections will continue with a goal of next-day service.  However, all inspections for owner or tenant occupied structures are suspended through the duration of this closure.  It is imperative that there be no contact with inspectors at the site, and there will be no on-site consultations during this time.

 

Land use applications that have a pending hearing date in April are anticipated to continue as scheduled.  Strict social distancing requirements are being applied to the hearing room, any steps you can take to limit your applicant team would be greatly appreciated.  Any land use application that requires a public hearing, for which one has not yet been schedule may be delayed.

 

For all of your building and fire permitting questions please contact (509) 754-2011, extension 3001.  For all of your land use and planning questions, please contact (509) 754-2011, extension 2537.  We appreciate your patience in this unprecedented time, and we will make every effort possible to continue permit services based on available staff.

03-24-2020 Health District Letter to Businesses 2020-03-23

Washington State COVID-19 Updates

Health Officer Recommendations to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

COVID-19 is in Grant County and is not limited to specific communities, work sites, or people with positive test results.  Companies need to take steps to limit the spread of infection, both within their business and in the communities they work.
 
If employees have been given quarantine or isolation order, they must be followed.  Cooperation and compliance with a Health Officer directive is required in accordance with WAC 246-101-425 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-101-425).  Non-compliance with the Health Officer's directive may constitute a violation of state law RCW 70.05.120 and WAC 246-110-020 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-110-020).
 
The Grant County Health Officer is advising the following measures be implemented at all places of employment:

1. All employees should be screened for coronavirus symptoms each day and excluded if symptomatic.

   • Have a plan to screen employees or volunteers every day. CDC guidelines identify the key symptoms to watch for as fever, cough and shortness of breath. We have a symptom monitoring form that can be used on our website in both English and Spanish: http://granthealth.org/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/

2. Social distancing recommendations must be met (i.e., limit contact of people within 6 feet from each other for 10 minutes or longer).

   • Establishments should ask themselves: how close will people be and for how long? Ensure that your business is organized in such way to avoid close contact between people as much as possible, including at areas used for breaks or where employees may gather. Washington Department of Health advises that “being within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 10 minutes” constitutes close contact which could result in exposure.

   • Consider: If your store’s traffic meets the DOH criteria above, what can you do to mitigate that? Possibilities may include setting limits on the number of people you allow in your business, marking out 6 –foot intervals with tape on the ground for lines, or moving to an app (such as waitlist.me, skiplino or others) that allows customers to queue in their cars.

3. It is recommended that all employees wear nose and mouth coverings such as a bandana or sewn mask at all times within the workplace.

4. CDC guidelines identify the key symptoms to watch for as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Signage should discourage attendance for any person who has these systems. There is a sign available on our website that can be put on doors in both English and Spanish: http://granthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Regional_DoorPoster_3.20.pdf

5. Proper hand hygiene and sanitation must be readily available to all employees, volunteers, and visitors.

   • CDC recommends that people wash their hands often, and if soap and water is not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. If handwashing is not available, provide easy access to hand sanitizer and hand sanitizer stations and request employees and customers to abide by personal hygiene recommendations.

6. Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces frequently and at least daily.

   • Ensure a clean and sanitary environment. Have employees disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails. Cleaning and sanitizing guidance can be found on our website: http://granthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Janatorial-Guidance.pdf

7. Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions that are at increased risk of serious COVID-19 are encouraged not to attend, including employees.

   • Employees in high risk groups could be separated from other employees when possible or given tasks that minimize their exposure to the general public. For groceries, banks, and other essential establishments, consider implementing dedicated times exclusively available for highly vulnerable populations to come to your business.

 Grant County Health District thanks and commends all the businesses who have already implemented measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. We know these measures are disruptive and inconvenient, but we are confident if we continue to carry out public health interventions together we will slow the spread of COVID-19 and help protect members of our community during this unprecedented time We are all in this together

Disaster Loan Assistance for Small Businesses

SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters. SBA disaster loans can be used to repair or replace the following items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster: real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets.

Grant County Economic Development Council:

Small Business Administration Disaster Loans Guidance and Applications

the Grant County Economic Development Council is assisting local small businesses in the application process for SBA Disaster Loans for businesses impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.  Click the above link for more details!

03-23-20 Offices Closing to the Public or Limiting Public Services

 

Clerk's Office:

 

Kimberly Allen, Grant County Clerk, has the following information regarding limited access to the Clerk’s Office in response to the COVID-19 virus:

 

Effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the Clerk’s Office will be closed to the public in the morning only.  The Clerk’s Office will remain open to the public during regular hours each afternoon to accommodate new case filings, document filings, and emergency court hearings. 

 

Domestic Violence Court:  All parties involved in a Tuesday morning Domestic Violence hearing will be provided a copy of the court’s order immediately following their hearing in the courtroom (please wait in the courtroom to accept your copy).

 

For all other matters:  The public is able to do most of their business with the Clerk’s office either via regular mail, online, or by phone and skip a trip to the courthouse.  Contact information for the Clerk’s office is listed below.

 

The Clerk’s office is happy to answer your questions by phone.  Please call us: 509-754-2011

 

General questions ext. 2800  Court Facilitator/Domestic Violence Help ext. 2810

Accounting ext. 2838              Financial Collector/LFO Help ext. 2839

Records/Exhibits ext. 2865     Jury Duty ext. 4179 (Superior Court)

 

Mail payments or new filings to:

Grant County Clerk’s Office

            PO. Box 37

            Ephrata, WA  98823

 

Online:  www.grantcountywa.gov/clerk

 

Please help us minimize person-to-person contact in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 by following these new guidelines.  We are following directions from the CDC as well as orders given by the Supreme Court and the Superior Court Judges.

 

Dockets/Hearings/Trials:  See details for Superior Court and its orders at the Grant County website or courts.wa.gov (under “Emergency Modifications to Operations and Court Closures” – scroll to Grant Superior Court and click on links to the Administrative Orders that have been entered).

 

Jury Duty:  Both Grant County District Court and Superior Court have postponed all jury trials until May 1, 2020.  Jurors do not need to report until further notice.

 

The Court Facilitator in the Clerk’s Office will no longer be making face-to-face appointments until further notice.  To reach the facilitator, please call or e-mail Shea at 509-754-2011 ext. 2810 or [email protected].

 

Update on Passports: 

 

Renewals:  If you need to renew your passport, you can do that yourself online. Routine service may be delayed.  The form, instructions, and fees are all available at:  www.travel.state.gov/passport

 

Emergency (Life/Death Emergency):  If you have a life or death emergency and need to go to the Passport Services Office directly to obtain a passport, you must call 1-877-487-2778 to discuss your emergency and get guidance.

 

New Applications:  Unless you have immediate travel plans, we ask that you delay applying for a new passport.  For those who must travel and obtain a new passport, you will need to apply in person.  Forms and other information are available on the website listed above.  Routine service may be delayed.

 

Expedited Service: No expedited services will be available to customers applying after March 19 and routine service may be delayed.  Passport Services will honor expedited service for customers who applied before March 18 (passport should be delivered within 2-3 weeks of application). 

 

 

Updates:  Go to www.travel.state.gov for the latest information. 

 

Access to Judges:  Law enforcement and attorneys needing access to judges should make arrangements via the Court Administrator’s office by calling ahead first at 509-754-2011 ext. 4144 or ext. 4178.  You are encouraged to send ex parte orders via the mail (no fee at this time).  The courtesy phone inside the Clerk’s office is not available at this time.

 

Ex Parte Fees Temporarily Waived:  Parties are encouraged to mail in agreed orders for ex parte entry via the mail.  In order to encourage mailing of ex parte orders, the fee has been waived temporarily.  The ex parte fee is only waived for orders sent via the mail.

 

In keeping with suggested guidelines, the Clerk’s Office is closed to the public from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  We will continue opening to the public in the afternoons from 1:00-4:30 p.m. as usual for filing new cases, pleadings and accommodating court hearings.

 

Please follow posted directions, stand 6 feet away from anyone else, wash your hands, and avoid public areas unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.  Customers who are visibly ill may be asked to leave and connect with us in an alternative way or come back when you are well.  Documents coming in over the counter will be held for one day before processing to allow for any virus contamination to die. 

 

Please be patient as we serve you and stay well!

 

Youth Services:

 

Grant County Juvenile Court and Youth Services Operational Plan:

 

1)    Moses Lake Office is closed until further notice

 

2)    Ephrata Office is open to the public at this time

a.     Monday-Friday, 8a-12p, and 1p-5p

b.     Supervisor(s), front office staff member(s), and other staff as needed will work in the building

c.     Everyone that comes into the building is to maintain a 6 foot radius clear zone around themselves while in the building

d.     Other staff will be working remotely so as to limit person-to-person contact and can be reached via phone or email

3)    All Probation Officers and GAL will:

a.     Not conduct in-person home or school visits without specific supervisor approval

b.     Only conduct phone/video youth status checks and/or interviews unless approved by supervisor

4)    Admin / Court operations

a.     Truancy, Dependency, and Criminal Offender matters are continued until after April 24, 2020 in accordance with Grant County Superior Court Emergency Administrative Order No. 3

New offender intakes/arraignment hearings will be held at the Juvenile Department courtroom as necessary

 

Fairgrounds:

 

All camping has temporarily been suspended until April 26th, 2020.

 

Grant Integrated Services:

 

Grant Integrated Services, in close partnership with the Grant County Health District and Grant County Board of Commissioners, understands that residents are concerned about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and that it may be a stressful time for many. Fear and anxiety about the virus can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.

 

Please be assured that as an agency, we are committed to providing access for behavioral health services and have been working diligently with staff and leadership to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by practicing state-mandated recommendations of basic prevention within our operations. People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, please call:

• 911

• Local Crisis Line: 1(800) 852-2923

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline:
  1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)

 

As of today, our Agency continues to be open to the public, but most services have been transferred to telephonic support unless absolutely necessary. Office hours continue to be between 8 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday. Mattawa and Ephrata are the only sites that have been temporarily closed until further notice due to limited staffing and space restrictions.

 

To reduce exposure to clients and staff, we have:

 

• Asked clients and staff that are experiencing symptoms similar to COVID-19 to please stay home, reschedule your appointment, and explore other options. Face to face visits are not recommended at this time and are only offered if absolutely necessary with the 6ft social distancing recommendation.

• Reduced the amount of individuals within our facilities while maintaining a high level of access to our needed services.

• All staff that have contact with the public are required to wear a masks.

• Telehealth services are now available for all of our programs during this crisis to limit face-to-face contact with some limitations on Substance Use Disorder services.

• Crisis Mental Health outreach and stabilization services continue with proper safety restrictions.

 

As the community mental health resource throughout Grant County, continuity of care and safety is our highest priority. These changes are effective until Friday, April 3rd or as new information arrives.

 

To schedule an appointment please call (509) 765-9239 or if you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call (800) 852-2923.

 

Additional information about COVID-19 can be found at the Grant County Health District website, www.granthealth.org. For information that is client specific, please contact our main office at (509) 765-9239 to reach your mental health provider. All media relations may contact Dayana Ruiz at (509) 764-2676 or by email at [email protected].

 

Sheriff's Office:

 

Effective 03/23/20, the Sheriff's Office will be closed to the public and will remain so until further notice. 

 

Effective 3/23/20 Camping at the Moses Lake Sand Dunes is temporarily prohibited due to COVD-19. You can, however, ride at the dunes. While at the dunes, please do not gather in groups and continue to maintain social distancing.

 

Public Defense Office:

 

Effective 03/23/20, the Grant County Department of Public Defense Office will be closed to the public and will remain so until further notice. 

 

Public Access Information:  (509) 754-6027  

All internal phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.

 

All operations will remain in place.  Continue to contact Public Defense staff as you would normally.

 

We appreciate your understanding of any inconvenience these interim actions may create.  The health & safety of our clients and employees is very important.

Assessors Office:

 

Due to the increase in active cases of COVID-19 in Grant County, the Assessor’s Office will be closed to the public as of 8:00am Monday March 23, 2020.  If you need our services, please call us at (509)754-2011 ext. 2683.  Our forms are available online and we will explain how to file them electronically.  For those forms that cannot be done electronically, you can mail them in or we may make an appointment with you to come in.

 

You may email anyone in our office, the email addresses are all listed on the County website at www.grantcountywa.gov.

 

Thank you for your patience during this emergency.

Auditors Office:

The Grant County Auditor’s office is closed to the public effective Monday, March 23rd, 2020 until further notice.

 

We have online self-services options available on our website. If online service is not possible, please call us.

 

Human Resources

 

Effective 03/23/20, the Grant County Human Resources Office will be closed to the public and will remain so until further notice. 

 

Public Access Information:  (509) 754-2011 ext. 4903 and [email protected]

 

All internal phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.

 

All HR duties and services remain in place.  Continue to contact HR staff as you would normally.

 

We appreciate your understanding of any inconvenience these interim actions may create.  The health & safety of our customers and employees is very important.

03-20-20 Offices Closing to the Public or Limiting Public Services

 

Commissioners Office:

 

The Grant County Commissioner announce that effective Monday, March 23, 2020 their administrative office on the 2nd floor of the courthouse annex will be closed to the public.  Paperwork can be submitted through the opening at the base of the door for staff to receive, as they continue to work and process all documentation accordingly.  This closure affects the following:

 

Board of Equalization (BOE):

If you have questions please contact the BOE Clerk at (509) 754-2011, x2931; [email protected] or visit our webpage http://www.grantcountywa.gov/GC-Boards/BoE/.

 

Veterans Assistance:

Requests for assistance through the Veterans Assistance Fund can be made by contacting the Veteran Service Coordinator for an appointment. The contact information is (509) 754-2011, x2931 or by email at [email protected]. Grant County cannot offer assistance with claims, inquiries or assistance to the Veterans Administration (VA) at this time.

 

Public Records:

Requests can be made online at www.grantcountywa.gov and click the Public Records tab on the left hand side; by calling (509) 754-2011, x2938; or be made by mail. If you would like to receive a request form, please contact us at the number above and provide us with your mailing address.

 

LOEFF-I / Disability Board:

Documentation that needs to be submitted can be placed in the opening at the base of the door or submitted through the USPS.

 

Notary Services:

All notary services are suspended until further notice.

 

 

All public meetings and public hearings that are held in the Commissioners Hearing Room on the first floor of the courthouse annex will continue as normal.  Please check their agenda at www.grantcountywa.gov for an update of meetings.  The Grant County Commissioners always welcome public participation in its meetings but strongly encourage against this due to the CDC Guidelines on social distancing.

 

The public comment period that was previously held each Monday at 10:30 a.m. has also been cancelled.

 

Treasurers Office:

 

Based on the most recent information regarding the outbreak of COVID-19 received from the Grant County Health Department, and what we believe is in the best interest of our employees and the general public, the Grant County Treasurer’s Office has made the decision to close their office to the general public effective 5:00 pm on Friday, March 20th, 2020.  The office will remain closed to the public until further notice. 

 

We are encouraging the public to make personal, mobile home and real property tax payments by mail, or by dropping their payments off at the Grant County Courthouse drive up drop box located in the small parking lot to the north of the main courthouse building. 

 

FIRST HALF PROPERTY TAXES DUE 4/30/2020:

• Mail:  Grant County Treasurer, PO Box 37, Ephrata, WA  98823

  • DO NOT SEND CASH

  • Please include your payment stub if possible

  • Please include your contact information and all parcels included in your payment

  • Please notify us of any change in your mailing address

• Online:  www.grantcountywa.gov

  • Subject to $0.50 for e-check, $3.95 for debit card, and 2.5% for all major credit cards

  • Under the Treasurer tab, click on the Purple “Pay Tax Bills” button found on the bottom of the screen.

• Dropbox:  Inside the adjacent north parking lot of the main Grant County Courthouse

  • DO NOT SEND CASH

  • Please include your payment stub if possible

  • Please include your contact information and all parcels included in your payment

  • Please notify us of any change in your mailing address

• Cash Payments:  At this time, we are not accepting cash payments, other options are:

  • Cashier’s Check

  • Money Order

 

REAL ESTATE EXCISE AFFIDAVITS / PROPERTY TRANSFERS:

• If at all possible, please scan and email all documents pertaining to your property transfer for review.  Email to:  [email protected] and [email protected].

• Once approved, we will contact you with exact payment amounts for processing your REETA with the Treasurer’s Office, as well as recording fees for the Auditor’s Office. 

• Please mail or drop off your original documents and payment in the drop box located inside the north parking lot of the main Grant County Courthouse.

 

If you have business that you believe cannot be conducted via mail or drop box, please feel free to call our office at 509-754-2011 ext. 4299, and we will do our best to create a solution to address your needs. 

 

At this time, we do not know when we will be able to open the offices to the public again, but we will monitor the situation on a daily basis and will re-open the office when we believe it is safe to do so.  Thank you for helping us slow the spread of this deadly virus by helping us exercise social distancing.  Stay safe!

District Court:

Amended Emergency Administrative Order

 

The following CIVIL hearings are suspended until April 24, 2020. The Court will mail notice of a new court date to any party currently scheduled for court prior to April 24, 2020.

1. Infraction. (IRLJ 2.6(a)(b)(d)(e)(f) shall be suspended. The Court WILL continue to accept written statements submitted by mail pursuant to IRLJ 2.6(c).

2. Small claims.

3. Name Changes.

4. Civil preliminary trial hearings, motion hearings, and trials.

5. The court will consider Anti-harassment and No-contact hearings ex-parte. Good cause exists to extend ex-parte orders until a hearing can be held after April 24, 2020.

The following CRIMINAL hearings are suspended until April 24, 2020. The Court will mail notice of a new court date to any party currently scheduled for court prior to April 24, 2020. All Time for Trial Rules in CrRLJ 3.3 and CrRLJ 4.1 are suspended.

1. Arraignments where the defendant is not held in custody. This DOES NOT include individuals who are arrested and released and are instructed to appear on the following business day.

2. Pre-trial and Motion Dockets. The Court will continue to hear in-custody matters on the Wednesday Jail docket as scheduled. Where an in-custody defendant and his/her attorney agree in advance to continue any hearing, the defendant need not be present to enter the continuance.

3. Criminal Trials.

4. Reviews and Probation Hearings.

 

The District Court Office will remain open during regular business hours 8:30 to 4:00 and will continue to address Ex-Parte Motions on any subject under its jurisdiction. If you have any questions, please call (509)754-2011 extension 3101.

Superior Court:

 

NOTICE REGARDING NON-EMERGENCY CIVIL MATTERS

 

On March 18, 2020, the Washington State Supreme Court issued Order No. 25700-B-606.  The Grant County Superior Court is in the process of reviewing the Order.  The Superior Court will draft a new administrative order that is in compliance with the Supreme Court’s Order after careful thought and consideration.   For now, and pursuant to Washington State Supreme Court Order No. 25700-B-606, all non-emergency civil matters will be heard after April 24, 2020. 

 

With regard to matters currently scheduled for March 20, 2020, a judicial officer will review the pending motion and make a decision whether the matter is of an emergent nature.  If the judicial officer determines the matter is not of an emergent nature, the judicial officer will enter an order striking the matter.  If the judicial officer determines the matter is of an emergent nature, the matter will be decided based on the documents previously submitted without oral argument.  The parties are responsible for obtaining a copy from the Clerk’s office of any order issued by the court regarding matters scheduled to be heard on March 20, 2020. 

 

The parties also are responsible for re-noting their non-emergency civil matter to a date after April 24, 2020.  The parties should be mindful of the date they select after April 24, 2020 for their non-emergency civil matter as there could be court congestion created if all parties select a date immediately after April 24, 2020.    If there is court congestion after April 24, 2020, the Superior Court may continue or strike a hearing as necessary.

 

Superior Court Order #1

Superior Court Order #2

Superior Court Order #3

Superior Court Order #4

03-19-20 Offices Closing to the Public or Limiting Public Services

Public Works:

As our state continues to experience effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, Grant County Public Works will be taking the necessary measures by following the recommendations from local, state, and federal officials in regards to social distancing.

 

All Grant County Public Works offices will be closed to public access effective Friday March 20, 2020 until further notice.

The Grant County Drop boxes located in Mattawa and Coulee City will be closed effective Monday March 23, 2020 until further notice.

 

The Landfill will maintain regular operating hours at this time. Questions in regards to the landfill can be directed to (509) 754-4319.

 

Employees will still be reporting to work and continuing their day-to-day job duties. We have installed a “Drive-Up Drop Box” located in front of our Public Works Administration building. This will allow the public to drop off permits, plans, and plats. 

 

To protect our community and staff we encourage communication by phone, email, and appointments.

 

*Effective immediately:  We will not be scheduling the Public Meeting room for use. Per Proclamation   20-14: Reduction of Statewide limits on Gatherings. If your agency or non-profit organization has the Public Meeting room scheduled, our office will be contacting you. We will revisit scheduling as new recommendations become available.  

 

Grant County Public Works thanks you for your understanding during these times.

 

Grant County Public Works phone number: (509)754-6082

Youth  Services:

The Grant County Juvenile Court and Youth Services will be operating with only essential office staff beginning on Monday March 23, 2020.  And implementing the following changes to our court dockets:

 

Our Monday Criminal Offender Docket and Tuesday Dependency Docket will heard at the Grant County Courthouse at the Law and Justice Building Courtroom#1 beginning next Monday March 23, 2020 through April 27, 2020. All special set hearings, trials and after hours intake will still be held at Grant County Juvenile Court and Youth Services. All Truancy docket matters will be continued until school districts are back in session.

 

Treasurer's Office:

 

You can pay your property taxes online www.grantcountywa.gov with the link “Pay Tax Bills” under the Treasurer’s Tab. You can pay your property taxes via an eCheck, VISA Debit or any major Credit Card (there is a temporary lowered fee of $.50 for e-check, $3.95 VISA Debit and 2.5 %Credit Card payments).

  

Disclaimer: All credit cards are subject to a Third Party Vendor charge of 2.5% on the total amount. Debit card payments are subject to a $3.95 charge and electronic check (E-Check) payments are subject to the temporary lowered fee of $.50.