Ben Hill County tightens operations for COVID-19: jail sanitizing and releases, E911 contingency and limited public access
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Summary
In response to COVID-19, Ben Hill County officials reported daily jail sanitization and release of 11 misdemeanor inmates, curtailed visitation and transports, E911 contingency planning including a recommended app (Tango Tango) at an estimated $3,000–$4,000, and county plans to limit public access effective March 19 while waiving tax penalties.
Ben Hill County officials described a series of operational measures on March 18, 2020 intended to limit the spread of COVID-19 while keeping essential county services running.
Sheriff Lee Cone said the jail is being sanitized daily and reported the release of 11 inmates charged with misdemeanors; additional felony probationers were also released with approval from Judge Chasteen to reduce transmission risk. The sheriff said staff temperatures are checked and employees are sanitized before shifts; visitation for Saturday and Sunday was stopped and inmate transports were halted except for felonies. He said staff are following precautions and that inmates showing two symptoms "may be released," while those with all symptoms would be quarantined "as best they can." (Minutes do not specify the number of felony probationers released.)
EMA/E911 Director Brandon Fletcher said dispatch staff are screened for temperature before each shift, visitor access to the dispatch center has been stopped, and equipment and the dispatch room are being disinfected multiple times each day. Fletcher recommended the Tango Tango mobile rollover app to route emergency calls to neighboring centers if local staff are unavailable; he estimated installation and maintenance costs at about $3,000 to $4,000. He added that the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) can supply backup dispatchers and would assist with sanitizing and running the center if staff test positive.
County Manager Michael Dinnerman outlined additional operational steps: maintenance will add a wall and window at the Tax Assessor's office and the Clerk of Court annex is seeking separation to limit contact. The county intends to "control access" rather than fully close buildings, directing the public to phone, email, fax or appointment-based service for the following 30 days; the manager said the county will notify the public via CodeRED, newspaper, the county website and radio. Dinnerman also reported Tax Commissioner Barry Foster will waive penalties and Chief Appraiser Joyce Merritt will perform needed work remotely by phone or internet.
Commissioners discussed freezing permits for 30 days; Commissioner John Mooney said he did not think freezing permits would be a problem, and other commissioners emphasized limiting foot traffic and allowing staff to determine when in-person access is necessary. Manager Dinnerman said the control-access measures would become effective March 19, 2020.
The meeting adjourned after these items. Minutes do not include additional operational details, exact counts for felony releases, or the full text of any new personnel policy referenced elsewhere in the meeting.