How to access services as Centre County government, municipalities discourage in-person office visits
Centre County government on Wednesday announced that while county offices will continue to operate, residents are asked to refrain from visiting them in person in an effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
Contact with services should be made via phone, email and any other virtual platform to carry out essential business, the county said.
“One of the key challenges that we have is that we still need to conduct the business of the county,” Commissioner Michael Pipe said during Tuesday’s board meeting.
County personnel will be available to answer questions and assist residents, but some employees will be working remotely. A department directory can be found on the county website so residents can contact specific staff members.
“There are many, many needs in this community,” Pipe said. “We’re so fortunate that we have the social media connection where people can reach out to talk about needs whether it’s child care, food insecurity, whatever it may be. We want to rest assured that this is not the time for panic. It’s the time for preparation.”
Passport services in the Centre County Prothonotary’s Office are reduced to appointment only. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 355-6796 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Centre County’s top judge declared a judicial emergency effective Monday until at least April 14 and postponed all criminal and civil jury trials.
County transportation is operating, but is limited to trips to grocery stores, medical centers and pharmacies.
Municipal buildings across the county have also announced changes.
State College
The State College Municipal Building will remain open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. but the public will have limited access.
State College officials are requesting business be conducted by phone, email, the borough’s website and other virtual methods for engaging or requesting service, like online payment options for taxes and other services.
Public access to the borough building is limited to the first floor lobby, where touch-screen tablets are available to provide access to different applications, including the parking portal, tax services and payment center. Hand sanitizer stations are located near the tablets and everyone is encouraged to wash their hands, the borough said in a release.
There will be representatives available from the State College Police Department office to assist with all walk-in business, including consultations with other borough staff members.
Ferguson Township
The Ferguson Township Municipal Building will be closed for public access until further notice. Inquiries to staff may be made by phone at 238-4651, or via email at admin@twp.ferguson.pa.us, during normal business hours.
Residents, businesses and taxpayers may mail in checks for real estate tax payments, use the online earned-income tax portal or use the drop box outside the municipal office for municipal business including tax payments. The drop box is located next to the main entrance. Visit www.twp.ferguson.pa.us for updates.
No cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Centre County as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the state Health Department.
College Township
College Township facilities will be inaccessible to walk-in traffic. Business should be transacted through the use of the township drop box.
Patton Township
Patton Township offices are open for essential business only. Residents are urged to call 234-0271 or use email to conduct business. Visit twp.patton.pa.us for more information.
Harris Township
The Harris Township Municipal Building will be closed to public access until further notice. Contact staff at 466-6228 or at the email addresses found on the township’s website, www.harristownship.org.
Residents, businesses and taxpayers may mail in checks for real estate tax payments, use the online earned-income tax portal or use the drop box outside the municipal office for municipal business, including tax payments. The drop box is located next to the main entrance.
Halfmoon Township
The Halfmoon Township Municipal Building is closed to public access. Inquiries to staff may be made during normal business hours by phone at 692-9800 or at emails found at the township’s website, halfmoontwp.us.
Residents, businesses and taxpayers may mail in checks for real estate tax payments, use the online earned-income tax portal or use the drop box outside the main municipal office entrance for any other municipal business including tax payments.
Bellefonte
Borough offices are closed to the public. Customers should place bills in the drop-off box outside of the borough building.
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 11:58 AM.
