Genesee County Commissioners announced that county offices will begin to reopen to the public on June 15 with reduced hours. Many offices will be open to the public from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., by appointment only. The county urges everyone to call ahead to the department they are trying to reach, as some offices are implementing their own hours and in-person protocols that may be different than the ones listed below. Certain safety measures have been put into place to protect visitors and staff:
- All visitors will be required to wear face coverings at all times
- All visitors will be screened for respiratory illness prior to entry.
On June 22, the probate and circuit courts will begin the process of returning to full operations.
The Michigan Supreme Court established a statewide phased reopening which requires local courts to submit proposed orders of operation for approval.
Phase I will permit judges to schedule onsite court events with courtroom participants limited to 10 or less. Public court proceedings will continue to be livestreamed for public access via YouTube.
Judges and referees will also continue to conduct remote court proceeding via Zoom conferencing.
Jury trial activity continues to be deferred until a later phase of the reopening process.
Effective June 22, public entrance will be the Beach Street point of access and will be limited to (1) individuals with a scheduled court proceeding or appointment, (2)who are able to pass a short set of health screening questions and (3) who wear a face mask or other covering.
The courts have undertaken significant changes in operations to include signs underscoring the need to continue social distancing and frequent hand washing.
Phase II, when implemented, will permit increased members of the public to be present at court proceedings. Duncan M. Beagle, chief judge of the Genesee County Probate Court and 7th Judicial Circuit Court, has approved all orders permitting the reopening of court facilities.
“The judges have worked every day throughout the period of public closure using remote conferencing and even telephone conferencing,” Beagle said. “It will be satisfying to welcome back the public as we move forward to re-opening the courts.”
As always, online services are available for residents to access at home. Residents can visit the Genesee County website at www.gc4me.com for more information.
