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By SCOTT HAWKINS

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Some Adams County employees will soon be staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a special-called meeting of the Adams County Board of Supervisors on Friday morning, supervisors unanimously passed a workforce reduction measure.

The measure authorizes Adams County Department Heads, such as Circuit Clerk, Chancery Clerk, road department, etc., to implement employee rotations, allowing however many workers each department can spare, home for two weeks to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

Department heads will submit their workforce reduction proposals to Adams County Administrator Joe Murray for approval.

Murray said departments should keep enough employees on staff to operate their departments with a skeleton crew.

Murray said with people self-quarantining and social distancing the workload has somewhat been reduced on many county employees already.

Otherwise, county offices have remained opened for essential businesses, such as at the Adams County Courthouse, which continues to be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, where people must go to conduct business such as paying taxes or for court hearings.

“In order to minimize foot traffic, it is highly encouraged that our citizens utilize the online services that are available and call the offices to see if you can be assisted via telephone before making a personal visit,” a notice issued by Adams County states. “Phone numbers and online services can be obtained through the website at www.adamscountyms.net.”

Meanwhile, Adams County, in compliance with a March 19 request from Gov. Tate Reeves, extended the deadline for people to apply for homestead exemption. The deadline has been pushed back from April 1 to May 1.

“The county has been very good on maintenance,” Murray said. “We have crews doing wipe downs on personal equipment, and we’ve limited foot traffic to four people at a time.”

Murray said county department heads are encouraging employees to stay home if they are ill. Supervisors also are exploring the option of adding curbside service for some essential services at the courthouse.