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Following a Declaration of Local Emergency enacted March 17 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Buckingham County local governmental and court services have announced temporary operational changes. 

Access to Administrative Services

In a release, county officials noted that all offices will be manned as normal during this time. However, offices are closed to face-to-face contact. Residents are asked to utilize online, email and phone services. 

It is strongly recommended that customers call or email prior to travelling to the complex in order to limit contact and keep up to date with information.

Customers are also asked to utilize a kiosk in the foyer and use the administration building drop boxes for payments, applications, plans, specs, etc. 

Access to Court Services

According to the release, court offices, too, will be manned as normal during this time. It is the intent of offices to fulfill all court obligations required, consistent with the emergency declared by the chief justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, governor of Virginia and the local government, local orders of the courts and statutory requirements. 

Officers will honor restrictions imposed by the locality concerning access to the building during the emergency, the release states.

At this time, visits in person are discouraged. Individuals may not be able to enter the building or interact face to face with staff.

It is strongly encouraged to communicate via telephone, email or U.S. mail. 

If an individual has a court case scheduled between now and April 6 in Buckingham Circuit Court, they need to contact their attorney as to the status of their case. If that person does not have an attorney, the release states, they should contact the court in which their case is scheduled for further guidance. 

Unless advised differently, individuals may still need to appear in court. 

Information regarding any waivers or fees can be obtained by calling the office. All juvenile and domestic petitions have been placed on hold until April 15. Only time-sensitive court hearings will be conducted.

The changes went into effect Thursday, March 19, and will remain in place until Tuesday, March 31, unless further needed. 

County officials added that during this time, Buckingham County will make every effort to provide uninterrupted essential services to its citizens. Facility-specific instructions will be posted at each facility’s entrance and on the Buckingham County website.