Courthouse will remain closed until at least May 12

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Cullman County Courthouse (Cullman Tribune file photo)

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission met for an emergency meeting Friday morning to discuss the reopening of the courthouse and County offices. For now, the courthouse and County offices will remain closed. A decision will be made at the commission’s next official meeting May 12.

Chairman Kenneth Walker began, “I have talked to Barry Willingham, revenue commissioner, and his office is prepared. He’s got with his employees and they know what to do. He’s got 6-foot distancing done on his walls and floors and he’s going to have a hall monitor.”

Probate Judge Tammy Brown is also making the necessary preparations for the probate office. Brown is waiting on protective glass that is scheduled to be installed early next week.

Walker continued, “I talked to Judge (Gregory) Nicholas, and there will be no court hearings until at least June 1.”

Commissioner Kerry Watson said of reopening, “I want to make sure we look at all the safety items for the folks and employees also.”

Commissioner Garry Marchman agreed with Watson and said he wants to work out some security and monitoring issues.

“On the security outside, I know if there is limited access,” said Marchman. “Do we have a good plan in place to do that? It’s going to be about serving the public and protecting ourselves.”

The commissioners decided to make a decision regarding the reopening of the courthouse at their May 12 meeting. They will spend the next 11 days assisting each department with final preparations needed to follow all recommended safety guidelines.

Walker said in a Facebook message following the meeting, “In the meeting we decided to wait to discuss the reopening of the courthouse in the commission meeting on May 12. That’ll be our regular commission meeting. It allows us time to get more things in line for the safety of the citizens and employees. It also gives the probate office more time to receive materials that were back ordered for the driver’s license department.”

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