Amended Vanderburgh County Back on Track Operating Procedures

Dear Officer Holders, Department Heads, and County Employees:

Pursuant to a recent updated guidance from the CDC and the Indiana State Department of Health (“ISDH”) (see attached), the Board of Commissioners is issuing an amended guidance to the Back on Track Indiana Plan Vanderburgh County Operating Procedures previously issued on May 8, 2020.  Based on an updated definition of “close contacts,” and to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to keep our work force safe, we are issuing amended operating procedures that are mandatory for departments and strongly recommended for the elected office holders to implement within their respective offices.  

Beginning immediately, the Vanderburgh County Health Department will inspect every office, department, and workplace facility of Vanderburgh County and provide the supervisor of that office a maximum employee occupancy based on the new CDC and ISDH Guidelines.  All departments shall adhere to those guidelines and use alternative methods in their best judgment to achieve these guidelines.  These methods could include alternating work schedules or allowing employees to tele-work remotely.  This is necessary, as exposure to a positive person could cause widespread quarantine or self-isolation requirements for an entire office or department due to the broadened definition of “close contact.”  

Further, the Board of Commissioners will institute strict policy of utilizing the webex platform for all public meetings and meeting either telephonically or through another video system for any required department meetings or intra-office meetings.  The Board of Commissioners requested the Building Authority to physically remove chairs that are not in compliance with maintaining proper social distancing, including chairs in the gallery and on the dais of meeting rooms.  

In order to accommodate increased attendance, the Commissioners have requested availability from the Old National Events Plaza and will be utilizing that space, once again, for public meetings.  Until such time as a larger, alternative venue can be secured, all Boards that meet under the jurisdiction of the County Commissioners shall utilize the webex or other digital meeting platforms in order to avoid the possibility of becoming in close contact and complying with new distancing requirements.

As we progress, and further guidance develops, the Commissioners will continue to adjust and update their Back on Track Plan Operating Procedures.  We will continue to adhere to the advice of our Vanderburgh County Health Department, our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Spear, and other community medical professionals in maintaining a safe work environment for our employees and the public.  

If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor, the County Law Department (ljones@joneswallace.com) or the Commissioners’ Office.

Very truly yours,

  VANDERBURGH COUNTY 

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS