City of Griffin issues response to COVID-19

STAFF REPORT :::

The city of Griffin has issued a press release regarding its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is posted below in its entirety:

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve on an hourly and daily basis, the City of Griffin is committed to continuing to provide our citizens, visitors and staff with essential governmental services in the most convenient, efficient and professional way possible.

While taking all the necessary precautions that you have heard in the media and from other governmental organizations, we want to also assure you that we will be responsive to your governmental needs during this time of uncertainty.

Some of our methods of operation may change for a short time so we urge you to be patient and understanding, while limiting your requests for non-essential services.

Although we are not considering closing City Hall to the public at this time, we are preparing our staff and resources to be able to handle additional requests through telephonic and computer based applications.

Our public safety personnel will certainly answer calls for service; however, we request that non-emergency calls be kept to a minimum so our resources can be used to the fullest extent in cases of emergency. Routine reports and request for information may be handled by telephone during normal business hours. The health and safety of our first responders is absolutely essential to the health and safety of our community.

Also vital is the continuity of our reliable utilities. Because our water, wastewater, electric and telecom facilities are secure, we will continue to provide safe and reliable utility services to all our customers. In order to keep everyone safe and healthy, we ask that customers avoid personal contact with our customer service representatives by using alternative methods of communication and payment, and by doing business through on-line services, mail, drop-box locations, or telephone. Conducting business in this manner will insure no interruption of services for our customers.

Solid waste services are also essential to a healthy community and will continue on schedule. For the safety of our solid waste personnel, we ask that if your household has been identified as a COVID-19 patient or has residents under quarantine, that you call our solid waste department and advise our staff so that our employees can take extra precautions when handling your household waste.

With economic conditions conducive to positive growth in business, building and remodeling, we remind our businesses and contractors that permits, plans and occupational licenses can be accessed through on-line methods and our staff is available to answer any questions by phone. This will assist in keeping our customers and Development Services staff healthy with minimal need for personal contact.

Because the economic vitality of our community is crucial, we ask you to continue to patronize our local businesses while using recommended social distancing and hygienic techniques.

As we continue to monitor this unfamiliar and frightening phenomenon, rest assured that we are coordinating with our federal, state and local partners, including our Emergency Management Agency and our local and regional Department of Public Health. We ask that you be attentive to our news releases and social media posts and do not hesitate to contact our staff for any questions or concerns. Attached is a listing of the appropriate web sites, phone numbers, and other useful information to provide continuity of services as referenced above.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Public Safety
Emergencies, call 911 / Non-Emergency Responses, call 770-229-9911.

For routine reports and requests for info, call 770-229-6450 Monday thru Friday from 8:00a-5:00p.

Municipal Court
Pay by phone at 1-855-328-7770 or online at https://griffinga.governmentwindow.com/ticket.html

Utilities
2 Drop Box locations – 202 W. Solomon St. (parking lot) and Bank St. (next to the parking deck)

After Hours Drop box located at the end of the first lane in the drive thru.

Pay by phone by dialing 770-229-6403 and choosing option 1, pay online at cityofgriffin.com, or pay with cash at any CVS or Family Dollar location.

For questions and concerns email customerserviceemail@cityofgriffin.com

Solid Waste

Call 770-229-6421 from 7:30a – 4:30p Monday through Friday or visit http://cityofgriffin.com/Departments/CentralServicesandSolidWaste.aspx

Development Services

Occupational tax renewals, new business registration, and excise tax payments at http://cityofgriffin.com/Home/FileRepo.aspx or by email to kbennett@cityofgriffin.com

To obtain a permit visit http://cityofgriffin.com/Home/FileRepo.aspx

To submit a Code Enforcement complaint or for general questions and concerns call 770-233-4130 Monday through Friday from 8:00a-5:00p

Building inspections call 770-233-4132.

Plan reviews may be sent by email to BOTH bretthanes@caaprofessionals.com and acleveland@cityofgriffin.com

For additional building code questions or concerns mail bretthanes@caaprofessionals.com

For additional information about the City of Griffin, visit www.cityofgriffin.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofgriffin and on Twitter @CityofGriffin.