Botetourt County is planning to begin scheduling regular appointments for in-person services at most county offices beginning Monday, June 15. The county said that the initial expansion of services will proceed slowly and continue many of the practices that offices and staff have already put into place over the past few months during the pandemic.
It said that employees will continue to work remotely as much as possible while also staggering time in the office to handle the appointments. Employees not working remotely will wear face coverings or masks and maintain physical distancing when in the workplace. All visitors coming to county offices and facilities are encouraged to do the same to help promote the health and safety of the public and employees.
The County Administrator’s Office, Community Development, Economic Development, and Purchasing will be open by appointment beginning June 15. Anyone wishing to do business with these departments is advised to schedule an appointment in advance to ensure that the necessary staff is present to best serve the public. Moreover, any visitor needing curbside service due to accessibility needs should request that from staff in advance. Contact information for each of the offices is available on the county’s website or by calling 928-2000.
Recreation and Facilities offices will be open by appointment beginning June 15 as well. The Senior Van Program will also resume services on June 15, and staff will be reaching out to the regular riders in advance to assess program needs. Park pavilions will be open for rentals beginning June 27.
Rentals can be made in advance by calling the offices, and users are encouraged to maintain physical distancing at their events. Lastly, the county said that no decision has been made on sports programs. It said that it continues to await guidance from the state for these programs. Updated information will be shared on the department’s website at bocorecreation.info or provided by calling 928-2130.
Botetourt County Libraries have continued to offer many services during the pandemic, including digital resources, virtual programs and phone help. The Summer Reading Challenge is now in progress and runs from June 1-July 24. This year’s challenge features a new digital platform and app called Beanstack, which allows participants to track reading, earn digital prizes. Sign up at botetourtva.beanstack.org.
On June 15, bookdrops will reopen at all four Botetourt County Libraries locations for returning materials from any Roanoke Valley Libraries. Starting Monday, June 22, Botetourt County Libraries will offer curbside hold pickup services. Patrons may place holds on items and pick them up during specified curbside delivery days/times. Check the library’s website at bocolibraries.info or call 928-2900 for updates.
Offices focusing primarily on internal county services, such as Financial Services, Human Resources, and Technology Services, will continue to work remotely or in the office as needed. Anyone seeking an in-person appointment with these departments is encouraged to reach out to staff in advance and only when such a meeting is necessary.
Essential service departments and offices such as the Landfill, Maintenance, Central Garage, Inspections, and Fire and EMS remain fully in place as they have throughout the closure. The county noted that the Sheriff’s Office, the Commissioner of the Revenue, the Treasurer, Courts, Cooperative Extension, Social Services, and Voter Registration and Elections may follow different opening guidelines.
