Paris, Tenn.–With Executive Orders #30 and #31, Governor Bill Lee has begun reopening Tennessee’s 89 rural counties. The new Orders allow Tennesseans and businesses to return to work in all industries where that can be safely accomplished by following health guidelines, while urging employers to allow or require remote work/telework if possible.
Henry County’s government offices are planning to reopen most county facilities to the public beginning Monday, May 4, with some limitations for in-person transactions. Among those, County Mayor Brent Greer recommends any visitor to county facilities wear a face covering when making your visit.
Tennesseans are urged to continue limiting activity and staying home as much as possible to preserve and build on the health progress we’ve made.
Dr. Scott Whitby, Chairman of Board of Trustees of Henry County Medical Center echoes the recommendations put forth by Governor Lee and is cautiously optimistic about getting back to normal routines to soon.
Dr. Whitby said, “Over the next few weeks, we will have opportunities to gather in large crowds. We should avoid doing this until we have a better idea that this virus is no longer present in our community. The CDC currently advises there be no events held with greater than 250 people even in communities where there is very little illness as is the case here. It is not yet time to trust that people traveling here have not been exposed elsewhere and are unaware they are contagious.”
Referring to the recommendation that visitors wear masks to any county facility, Mayor Greer said, “This is for the protection of county employees and that of our visitors. The courthouse and courthouse annex will limit the number of persons in each office at one time to encourage social distancing guidelines. Visitors may be asked to wait outside an office before proceeding in for service. A bailiff will greet each visitor at the main entrance and then direct each visitor to the appropriate office for service.”
Henry County Courts will be making an announcement soon on when court proceedings will resume pending approval from the Tennessee Supreme Court. Many court related issues will continue to be handled via phone conference and web conferencing. Anyone needing to check on their court dates should contact their attorney or the appropriate court clerk’s office.
The Henry County Clerk’s office will limit visitors to three persons at one time inside the office to maintain social distance requirements. Due to being closed to public access in recent weeks, high number of customers are expected which may result in extended wait times. Officials are encouraging the public to use every method there is in place to avoid coming inside the office. The Clerk’s office will continue to serve the citizens as follows:
- License plate renewals – to avoid lines you may still renew online, by mail, by drop box or by phone. If you choose to renew in person please know that there might be a long wait since we are limiting the number of people in the office.
- Motor vehicle and title transfers – to avoid lines, you may call the office to get a quote by phone and send the documents by mail or you may use the drop box. If you choose to process your paperwork in person please know that there might be a long wait since we are limiting the number of people in the office.
- Marriage license – You must complete the application online, then call the office to make an appointment to sign and pick up your license.
- Courtesy services – will not be conducted until further notice, which include Driver’s License renewals, REAL ID’s, Duplicate Driver’s License, and Hand Gun Permits.
- Notary applications – may be mailed or emailed to the office and paid with a check/money order or over the phone with credit card. If you choose to renew in person please know that there might be a long wait since we are limiting the number of people in the office.
- Business License – apply online, mail, or send your application by email and pay over the phone. If you choose to apply in person please know that you will need to have the application filled out ahead of time.
- Boat (Change of Ownership) – You may apply in person but please know that there might be a long wait since we are limiting the number of people in the office.
Henry County Recycling Center will remain closed to the public. Persons wishing to drop off recyclables can do so at the front gate drop off area anytime of day. If you have a special need or large load of material to drop off, please call the recycling center for instructions.
The Central Community Building will open to the public however face coverings are recommended. You should call ahead for instructions
Henry County Highway Dept lobby will remained closed however, persons can call ahead for instructions.
Any questions regarding county or court related matters may be directed to the appropriate office listed below.
Henry County Department Contacts:
County Mayor: 642-5212
Chancery Court: 642-4234
Circuit Court: 642-0461
General Sessions: 642-0461
Juvenile Court: 642-5271
Probate Court: 642-2310
County Clerk: 642-2412
Central Building: 642-3758
Election Commission: 642-0411
Highway Dept: 642-3162
Property Assessor: 642-0162
Register of Deeds: 642-4081
County Trustee: 642-6633
Office On Aging: 642-2919
Recycling Center: 642-5170
Sheriffs Dept: 642-1672
Veterans Services: 642-5055
Photo by Shannon McFarlin