The Liberty County Commission announced Thursday it is changing its meeting procedures due to the coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Here’s the press release:

“In response to the public health emergency posed by the coronavirus/COVID-19, the Board of Commissioners of Liberty County (the "Board") has determined it necessary to make changes to its normal meeting procedures.  Effective immediately, the Board of Commissioners will only schedule for consideration those items it deems of pressing importance.  As of now, and in an effort to responsibly encourage continued economic development, such items will include, but will not be limited to, rezoning applications.   Additionally, and so long as the public's business is not materially compromised, specific meetings of the Board may be cancelled or postponed. Future meetings may also be conducted by teleconference should circumstances warrant the same.

Only those persons who are authorized to comment on action items (such as rezoning applications)  will  be  permitted  to  physically  attend  meetings  of  the  Board.     However, appreciating the vital importance of continued public access to its meetings, the Board will live stream all meetings via its Facebook page.   For those members of the public who are not able to access the Board's Facebook page, recordings of all meetings will  be made available upon request.   Additionally, a synopsis of meeting events will be posted on the County website at www.libertycountyga.com within forty-eight (48) hours of each meeting.

“For those persons who are authorized to comment on action items before the Board, and who may be medically compromised or exhibit symptoms of respiratory illness or who are otherwise reluctant to attend a meeting of the Board in-person during the current public health emergency, accommodations may be made to allow simultaneous participation by teleconference.  If such remote participation is desired, it is requested that the Board be contacted as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements may be made.   All such requests should be directed to Debbie

Whitehurst at (912) 876-2177 or Debbie.whitehurst@libertycountyga.com.

“All in-person attendance at public meetings will be subject to such conditions as deemed appropriate by the Board to safeguard the public health. These include, but are not limited to (1) requiring that all attendees observe recommended social distancing protocols (and maintain at least a three-chair distance from other participants); and (2) to the extent available, wear face masks or similar protective gear as needed.  Additionally, the Board has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols prior to each meeting and will have sanitizing wipes or similar personal hygiene items available for use by participants.

“The Board continues to explore legal alternatives associated with the conduct of necessary business in order to ensure compliance with recommended CDC and DPH guidelines and may be required to amend procedures further. Please consult the County website for details. Should any person have questions about County affairs, please do not hesitate to contact the Board at 912-

876-2164. “Your patience and cooperation during this state of emergency is appreciated. Thank you.”