Court system has never shut down but just trials are put on hold
Fountain and staff tend to customers in Brewton
Pettis calls customers
Although the court systems in Escambia County or across the entire state of Alabama have never been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions have been put into place and according to a new order issued Thursday, April 30, by the Supreme Court of Alabama all jury trials have been suspended.
Thursday's supreme court ruling extends the previous state of emergency declaration for the judicial system until May 15. The order further states jury trials will remain suspended and no jury summons shall be issued until July 1, 2020.
"We cannot conduct in-person hearings in the state of Alabama, with exceptions," said Escambia County Presiding Circuit Judge Dave Jordan. "We are conducting a few hearings. The courts have never been closed and all three judges have been here every day."
Jordan said with restrictions on in-person hearings, the court system has been using telephone conferencing, emails, video conferencing and Zoom to conduct hearings.
"We are keeping everything moving the best we can," Jordan said. "The circuit clerk's office has never been closed and our staffs continue to work."
The new order also keeps in place the Safer at Home Order issued by Gov. Kay Ivey.
Judge Jordan said no jury trials have been held in Escambia County Circuit Court since January and said with the new order September is a possible month to begin, pending other orders.
Jordan noted that although the current order says jury summons can be sent on beginning July 1, it would take until September to have a jury trial.
Courthouse open
Beginning this past Monday, the Escambia County Courthouse opened by allowing a maximum of two people to visit any office at one time.
Circuit Clerk John Robert Fountain and Tax Collector Tim Pettis had tables set up in front of the courthouse for people to sign in to visit their respective offices. Judge of Probate Doug Agerton was also allowing two people to visit his office at the same time.
"We're open for business but we are observing the distancing guidelines set by the state health officer," said County Clerk-Administrator Tony Sanks.
Sanks said people wishing to have access to the courthouse need to go to the front doors and they will be directed to their respective offices.
Tax collector
Pettis said anyone with a March, April or May tag renewal can mail the renewal notice and payment to P.O. Box 407 Brewton, Ala. 36427. He noted the Escambia County Commission voted to waive the $2 mail fee.
"I am encouraging everyone to use this option if you can," Pettis wrote on his Facebook page. "Please put a phone number on the card so we can contact you if we have any questions."
Vehicle tags can also be renewed at http://www.renewyourtag.com/escambia.
Pettis said people needing to call the tax collector's office can call 867-0286, 867-0299 or 867-0209.
Pettis also said people needing to register a new vehicle can come to the courthouse and sign in out front. Two to three customers will be allowed in at one time.
He said the satellite courthouse in Atmore will be open for foot traffic beginning Monday, May 11.
People still needing to pay property taxes can either come to the courthouse or can pay by credit or debit card over the telephone. Pettis noted no personal checks will be accepted to pay property taxes. Certified funds or cash can be brought to the courthouse.
The deadline to pay property taxes and avoid additional expenses is May 20.
To use a credit or debit card to pay property taxes, call 867-0209.
