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WINDSOR – Bertie County’s COVID-19 Taskforce met Friday to discuss the next seven days of county operational measures which will officially be in place beginning Monday, March 23.

From March 23-27, county staff will report to work as normal, but access to county offices will be restricted to employees only with the exception of the Department of Social Services. Any exceptions to this restricted access will be evaluated on a case by case basis, and face to face visits with the public may be considered using a “by appointment only” model. Citizens are asked to contact the desired department in advance if they believe an extenuating circumstance exists to be appropriately screened over the phone.

To offset the financial burden that Bertie citizens are already feeling due to the virus, water service suspensions will be on hold for a period of 30 days, until Wednesday, April 22.

For water customers who choose to pay their bills online, convenience fees will still apply, however, once the fee is paid, it will be credited to the water customers’ account until April 2. No late fees will be applied to water bills during this time.

In addition, the county will absorb the online convenience fees associated with online tax bill payments until April 22.

As a Facebook update on the county’s official page noted on Thursday, essential supplies are set to be delivered to this area in the coming days. Citizens are encouraged to prepare, not panic.

Citizens are highly encouraged to conduct any needed county business online, by phone, or via drop box as much as possible. Please be aware of the following:

Taxes may be paid:

Online – bertiecountytax.com

By phone (automated system) – call 1.888.546.4220

Via marked drop box – check/money orders only, County Administration Building, 106 Dundee Street, Windsor

Via mail – remit check/money order payment to: PO Box 527, Windsor, NC 27983

Water payments may be paid:

Online – co.bertie.nc.us/departments/pw/paywater.html

By phone (automated system) – call 1.800.272.9829

Via marked drop box – check/money orders only, County Administration Building, 106 Dundee Street, Windsor

Via mail – remit check/money order payment to: PO Box 487, Windsor, NC 27983

Birth, death, marriage certificates may be ordered and processed through the Register of Deeds Office:

Online – https://www.getcertificatenow.com/Bertie

Via phone – call 252.794.5309

By appointment only – issuance of marriage license once online application is completed, notaries looking to take their oaths of office, veterans seeking their discharge paper (DD-214)

Via mail: death certificate requests by funeral homes and document recording requests at PO Box 340, 108 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983

Via fax: 252.794.5374

Permits, building inspections, and Environmental health needs can be met via:

Mailbox – County Administration Building, 106 Dundee Street, Windsor

Forms are available for pick up in marked, gray mailbox; please follow all directions listed on information form

Remit payments and applications in sealed envelopes in either the Tax or Water secured drop boxes

Other County department updates include:

Parks & Recreation – Sport registration forms can be accessed online, and registration deadlines will most likely be extended once the threat of COVID-19 has dissipated. No rentals of picnic areas or sports fields are available at this time.

Council on Aging/Senior Center – Take out services for senior meals is no longer available. Home delivery will be the only means of delivery. The senior exercise center, all exercise classes, and senior trips are cancelled until further notice. Any questions should be called into the Council on Aging staff at 794-5315.

Department of Social Services – Per State regulations, many DSS programs are still being implemented. Each program requires a different level of phone or face to face interaction. For specific program information, please contact Bertie County DSS at 794-5320.

Bertie County Sheriff’s Office – For the time being, the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office has discontinued the use of fingerprinting equipment. If you have any questions or concerns about your concealed carry permit renewal, or the process for applying for a new concealed carry permit, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 794-5330.