Madison County for the past few weeks, has been preparing for ways to temporarily limit personnel in office and staff exposure to the public.  Now due to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s decision that counties must limit staff by 50%, those plans have been expedited and will be in effect as of close of business Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Madison County is still open and so is the office building to the public.  However, employees that can will be working remotely, non-essential services are temporarily suspended, and non-essential events, meetings and gatherings are being canceled.

“It is important to protect the health and safety of our employees as well as our residents,” said Madison County Board Chairman John M. Becker.  “Limiting the number of people working in one location at a time is one way to do that, as well as temporarily suspending non-essential services.  The idea that Governor decided to make this decision by press conference and not by notifying the counties first is disheartening.  Madison County will work toward a mid-week reduction.”

“We understand that these suspensions may bring upon some inconveniences for our residents, however these are unprecedented times and we all have to work together,” continued Chairman Becker.  “We thank you all for your patience and understanding during this time.”

The Madison County Department of Health stresses that if you become sick, please stay at home and hold off on trips to public places and events until you are well. Public Health urges those who are not seriously ill to avoid hospital emergency departments, but instead call their primary healthcare provider or the newly opened regional COVID-19 triage line at 315-464-3979 if they think they have symptoms.

The following changes will be made moving forward at the County:

–          Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) –

o   Will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020.  If you need services go to dmv.ny.gov

–          Board of Supervisors –

o   The Board of Supervisors Office is closed to public if you need assistance please contact 315-366-2201.

–          Personnel –

o   Office will be open remain open until close of business Thursday.  As of Friday morning there will be will be minimal staff on site.

o   At this point in time, only the March 28, 2020 civil service examinations have been postponed.  “Last file dates” stated on existing exam announcements will remain in effect.

–          Department of Solid Waste –

o   Punch cards can no longer be purchased at the Main Office.  If you would like to purchase a punch card please go to the Scalehouse at 6641 Buyea Road, Canastota, NY 13032 or to a designated local gas station vendor.

o   Landfill and Transfer Station operations and hours will continue on their normal schedules.

o   The Main Office will be closed to the public until further notice. Residents can call 315-361-8408 for assistance during normal office hours.

–          District Attorney’s Office –

o   If you need services please contact [email protected]  or by telephone 315-366-2236.

–          Department of Public Health –

o   The Department is working diligently on preventing and triaging COVID-19 cases and questions.

o   During this time Early Intervention and Pre-K services will be suspended beginning March 23, 2020.

o   Regularly scheduled immunization clinics, rabies clinics and the Suicide Prevention Coalition event have been canceled for the next 8 weeks.

o   The Department will not be accepting ticks for identification until further notice.

–          Madison County Sheriff’s Office –

o   The Sheriff’s Office will be taking extra precautions when interacting with the public.  Patrols and staffing will remain the same.

o   Also, as stated previously there are no in-person visitations at the Madison County Jail.

–          Planning –

o   The Planning Department will remain open until the close of business, Thursday this week.  Beginning Friday, staff will suspend all non-essential functions, including local GML239m reviews.

o   Continued operation of the Madison Transit system will continue, however we are preparing for necessary service limitations or suspension if warranted.

o   Madison County’s Parks (Oxbow Falls, Nichols Pond, and Delphi Falls) remain open.

o   The Madison County Career Center is prepared to remain open until the close of business, Thursday this week.  Clients to the Center are asked to utilize in person services only if they are absolutely necessary.  For those seeking assistance with Unemployment Insurance from the New York State Department of Labor, please follow this link: www.labor.ny.gov  or call this number: 1-888-209-8124 for assistance.

–          Board of Elections –

o   The Board of Elections will be conducting the March 18, 2020 Village Elections in Chittenango, Earlville and Cazenovia as planned.  Polls are open from Noon until 9pm.

–          Department of Social Services –

o   Please access applications for assistance (SNAP, HEAP, Medicaid and Child Care) online or through the mail.  Residents do not need to come to the Social Services Office for those applications.

o   Current recipients will be notified of any case changes and how ongoing assistance will be delivered.

o   For Emergency Needs (homelessness, utility emergencies and no heat), please call (315) 366-2211 first so that a plan can be developed to best meet those needs.

o   Services including Child Protective investigations (CPS), Foster Care and Preventive case management, Adult Protective and Home Care will all continue to be delivered by staff assigned to those activities.

o   All other services and activities considered non-essential will cease.

–          Probation Department –

o   Those seeking Orders of Protection through Family Court should not report to probation for assistance first.  They should proceed directly to Family Court to complete and file a petition.

–          Highway –

o   Highway department is open until close of business, Thursday.

o   Beginning Friday we will be performing essential functions only, including Snow removal (if necessary). All other non-essential Highway functions will be suspended.

–          Mental Health –

o   Will not be doing face-face sessions with existing clients.  All sessions will be done via telephone.  If you are an existing client with either a therapist or doctor, the provider will contact you during the scheduled session.  If you have questions or need to re-schedule, please call the clinic and we will arrange it.

o   Afterhours crisis line will continue to function as usual. Please call 315-366-2327 if you are in crisis.

o   All clients who receive injections will be contacted by our nurse.

o   Mental Health will not be allowing walk-ins for new clients as this time.  If you are in need of assistance please call 315-366-2327 and a supervisor will get back to you.

–          Treasurer –

o   If you need to pay your taxes you can still come in to the office to do so.

o   Non-essential services will be discontinued as of close of business on Thursday.

o   If you need anything please call 315-366-2371.

–          Veterans Agency –

o   The Agency will be providing all veteran support regarding VA claims and other veteran concerns remotely.

o   The office will be closed to the public until further notice.  Please no walk-ins.

o   If you are a veteran or dependent and are in need of assistance please continue to call the office at 315-366-2395.

o   All in home claims and related services are suspended.

–          Facilities –

o   Facilities will remain open for business even after buildings are mandated to be closed except for essentials departments. They will still conduct essential services such as cleaning.

–          Canceled Events:

o   March 18, 2020 – Rabies Clinic at Madison Fire Department

o   March 27, 2020 – Suicide Briefing at Gorman Foundation in Oneida

o   March 25, 2020 – Job Fair at Workforce Development in Wampsville