County to partially reopen Government Center: here is what you need to know
Olmsted County will begin reopening portions of the Government Center, including license services, to in-person visits on Wednesday.
The opening follows Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to allow some businesses and organizations to resume operations, albeit with social distancing and other protective measures in place. The Government Center has been closed since the onset of the pandemic in mid-March.
“Many Minnesotans have eagerly awaited this news,” Olmsted County Administrator Heidi Welsch said of the state’s less restrictive “stay safe” order. “But it’s important to note the governor stressed reopening should not occur until organizations have appropriate safety plans in place. Olmsted County has developed a strategic plan for reopening which involves new protective measures to minimize health risks.”
County officials said they plan to take a “cautious, phased approach” to the reopening of the building. Initially, only services that must be handled face-to-face, such as obtaining a drivers’ license, will be allowed.
Out of precaution, county employees will be wearing masks (the public is also encouraged to wear a face covering). Visitors will also be asked to schedule arrival times and floors will be marked to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed. Anyone needing to enter the Government Center must go through Door A between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
All other county buildings and city offices will remain closed for the time being. One notable exception is that candidates for local office can still bring their applications to Room 104 in City Hall. Candidates, however, are encouraged to call the city clerk's office at (507) 328-2900 to schedule an appointment to file for office, or to discuss alternate options for filing.
Below is additional info from the county regarding its gradual reopening:
Property Records and Licensing (PRL)
The PRL team is implementing an exciting change as part of its reopening. To increase efficiencies, enhance the client experience, and minimize lines of people in the Government Center building, anyone needing driver’s license services can use the new Olmsted County Online Check-in system to schedule an arrival time. This new tool will roll out on May 20, and on that date, further information about the new driver’s license process will be available on the Olmsted County website Service Directory.
The following PRL services will be open to the public beginning May 20.
Birth certificates/death certificates
Driver’s licenses/state ID cards
Marriage licenses
Property tax services/payments: Residents can continue making payments at the drop-box located at the Government Center entrance.
Recording of real estate documents
Sheriff’s Office
On May 20, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office will begin accepting permits to carry by appointment only. The Civil Warrants window on the second floor will also be open.
The Civil Division of the Sheriff’s Office is still not accepting eviction paperwork as Executive Order #20-14 is still in effect under the Peacetime Emergency Declaration.
The public is strongly discouraged from making in-person criminal reports to law enforcement at the Government Center. Please continue to call the Communications Unit at 507-328-6800. As always, if you are in immediate danger, call 911.
