Shelby County Today

March 19, 2020 AUSTIN – At the direction of Governor Greg Abbott and in light of the governor’s State of Disaster Declaration related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been directed to extend the expiration date of Texas identification cards (ID), driver licenses (DL), commercial DLs (CDL) and election identification certificates (EIC). Additionally, the department has been directed to close DL offices, effective Thursday, March 19, until directed to reopen by the governor. These actions come as the state works to limit the ongoing spread of COVID-19 by increasing social distancing in communities.

DRIVER LICENSE OFFICE CLOSURES

Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, DL offices across the state have been closed until further notice. The temporary closure does not apply to individuals seeking an initial CDL. A number of DL offices across the state are designated as CDL sites — these offices will offer CDL testing by appointment only. If you already have a CDL skills test scheduled, that appointment remains valid. For those needing to schedule a CDL test, you can schedule an appointment by sending an email to cdlappointments@dps.texas.gov. Please include your name, DL number, date of birth, telephone number, email address and your preferred office location in your request.

DRIVER LICENSE EXTENSION

In accordance with section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, the Office of the Governor approved DPS’ request to suspend provisions of the Texas Transportation Code to the extent necessary to delay the expiration of Texas DL/CDL/ID/EIC cards. This means that if your Texas DL/CDL/ID/EIC card expires on or after March 13, 2020, it falls under the period that encompasses the State of Disaster Declaration related to COVID-19 and will remain valid for 60 days after which time DPS issues public notice that the extension period for this disaster declaration has been lifted.

It’s important to note that this extension applies to the expiration date only. A person who is not eligible to drive due to an active enforcement action (suspension, revocation or denial) may use the card for identity purposes only.

DPS is communicating with law enforcement agencies across the state to notify and inform them about the changes and what the extension means for their interactions with the public.

ONLINE SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR TEXANS

The majority of customers who come into Texas DL offices (for example, 3.2 million people in Fiscal Year 2019) don’t have to. These customers can actually conduct their transaction online, by phone or by mail. DPS encourages Texans to check the expiration date on their card and call 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-886-357-3639) or visit Texas.gov to see if you’re eligible to conduct your transaction online, particularly in light of the closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fee is the same for online, in-person and telephone renewals. For additional information about renewing your DL or ID card, visit the DPS website. Address changes and replacement of a lost DL or ID can also be taken care of online (or by mail) in many instances. Find out if you are eligible for online services by visiting Texas.gov.

WHEN WILL YOUR OFFICES REOPEN?

The department continues to be in constant communication with state leadership regarding this rapidly changing situation. The department will follow guidelines set by the governor as to when our offices will reopen and will keep the public informed as the situation continues to evolve. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• DPS DL COVID-19 Informational Web Page
• Governor Abbott, DPS Waive Expiration Dates for Driver Licenses, March 18, 2020 (view here)
• Governor Abbott Announces Temporary Closure of Driver License Offices, March 18, 2020 (view here)
• Governor Abbott Holds Press Conference on Coronavirus, Declares State of Disaster for All Texas Counties, March 13, 2020  (Announcement | Declaration) 
• DPS Takes Preventative Measures Against COVID-19, Encourages Texans to do the Same, March 12, 2020 (view here)

March 19, 2020 - The City of Center wants to reassure our residents and businesses that essential City services are not anticipated to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are following our emergency response plans and taking necessary steps to ensure we can continue to serve our citizens. The City will be enhancing emergency response services by the Center Police and Fire Departments. Also, City water, sewer and garbage services should not be interrupted. The City will make some operational modifications consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and today’s Emergency Order by Governor Abbott in efforts to reduce in-person interactions for city business and postpone public events of ten or more persons. These steps are being taken to protect staff, customers, the public health and particularly our most vulnerable citizens.

The City is taking measures to ensure the continuity of services throughout the community including communications with local medical facilities, industry partners, retail businesses and other utility providers. Center Police and Fire personnel are coordinating with other emergency responders. Public Safety contacts remain 936/598-2788 for the Center Police Department and 936/598-3288 for the Center Fire Department. If anyone requires emergency services, they still call 9-1-1. The Center Police and Fire Stations will limit access to the public to reduce contact as a precaution for the individual health of our public safety personnel.

City water and sewer utility service will continue. The City is operating both water plants on regular schedule so that all water needed is available and in compliance with all drinking water standards. City utility plants and the City annex on Riggs Street will also limit public access. If anyone has utility or public works requests, call 936/598-2941 to initiate a response.

The Governor’s current order inhibits many business operations and we encourage all citizens and residents to continue to support local businesses that continue operations in adjusted fashion to comply with the Governor’s statewide health order. The Center Economic Development Corporation staff has been directed to monitor State of Texas and US Small Business Administration programs for resources, information and potential aid for businesses affected by COVID-19 and will provide information on the City website as it becomes available. Staff remain available to answer any questions at 936/598-2941.

The CDC and TxDSHS encourage individual preventative measures:

• Frequently washing hands;
• Staying at home if you have any symptoms of illness, especially fever or difficulty breathing;
• Avoiding close personal contact with people, such as shaking hands; and
• Frequently disinfecting surfaces at home and in the workplace.

Additional recommendations of the CDC and TXDept of State Health Services include start practicing social distancing by:

• staying away from other people to avoid catching or spreading illness;
• avoiding crowds and minimizing physical contact; and
• staying at least six feet away from others Operational Modifications/Update:

City Hall will also reduce public access. Customers can call 936/598-2941 for assistance or with questions including need to talk directly to personnel. To make a utility payment or service changes, the options include:

• The payment kiosk at City Hall open 24/7 accepts cash, checks, and credit/debit cards
• The night drop box at City Hall for cash or checks
• The online payment portal at www.CenterTexas.org is now available
• For additional assistance, please call 936/598-2941.

The Center Municipal Court, located at the Center Police Station is also closed to the public. Anyone wishing to resolve a ticket or citation can make payments via:

• Online at trafficpayment.com
• Mailing plea with money order to P.O. Box 1900, Center, Texas 75935
• Calling 936/598-3080 with questions or additional assistance.

Garbage collection is continuing regular Tuesday/Friday or Monday/Thursday schedules for residences and daily scheduled collection for all commercial accounts. Bulky waste disposal at the Riggs St. Annex is temporarily unavailable.

All athletic activities coordinated by Center Recreation Department are temporarily postponed. While City parks, pavilions, playgrounds, and cemeteries remain open at this time, all are encouraged to follow the recommended health and safety protocols, including the Governor’s order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 persons, social distancing and individual prevention.

The John D. Windham Civic Center and Community House staff will coordinate the postponing or rescheduling events at no additional cost to renters to honor Governor Abbott’s order of no meetings larger than ten persons until April 3rd. All public events until April have been postponed by event coordinators.

The Center Municipal Airport will remain open to accommodate aviation needs and there are currently no restrictions on flight operations.

To Shelby County Residents:

March 18, 2020 - I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on the very fluid situation surrounding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic. Myself and the Emergency Management Coordinator, Kerri Shofner, are continuing to monitor information and participate in conference calls with The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

As of 1:00 PM March 18th (most recent conference call) there are 83 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Texas and 2 confirmed deaths. Approximately 1,900 COVID-19 tests have been performed state wide. We currently have no COVID-19 positive test results being reported to us for Shelby County. And have been assured that if that should occur, DSHS will notify county officials.

Many Shelby County businesses, churches, and organizations have reached out to us for guidance on closures and/or limiting services. We have advised them to refer to guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and DSHS.

All the guidelines set by the aforementioned agencies highly recommend social distancing as the most effective way possible to prevent the spread of the disease.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses, schools, churches, and organizations that have adhered to these recommendations by closing, using alternative methods for doing businesses, and cancelling and/or postponing events & meetings. Your proactive efforts to practice social distancing and avoid the spread of the coronavirus and help insure the continued good health of populations most susceptible to the virus are to be applauded. 

Please continue to provide all local media outlets & social media outlets of all closings, cancellations, rescheduling & alternative business methods. This will aid tremendously in keeping the public informed of all pertinent information.

Please refer to the following web sites to keep abreast of all COVID-19 information/recommendations:

• www.cdc.gov
• www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus

We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide the public with information as it is provided to us.

March 16, 2020 - In an effort to reduce the need for in-person transactions, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) worked with Governor Greg Abbott and our stakeholders to temporarily waive certain requirements for vehicle registration, vehicle titling and disabled parking placards.

On March 13, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation, declaring a state of disaster for all counties in Texas due to the threat of COVID-19. Governor Abbott also issued a statement on March 16, 2020, granting a temporary extension to obtain initial registration, renewal of registration, vehicle titling, and renewal of a permanent disabled parking placard. Governor Abbott also granted a temporary extension for an individual with an expired 30-day temporary permit to obtain another permit or Texas registration.

The temporary waiver applies to vehicle owners in all Texas counties as set forth in the above-referenced proclamation and statement. This temporary waiver is in effect until 60 days after TxDMV notifies the public that normal vehicle registration, vehicle titling and related services have resumed. The 60-day period will be the same for all counties.

The purpose of the waiver is to prevent customers from having to physically visit a county tax assessor-collector office to obtain initial registration, to obtain a 30-day temporary permit, to transfer title; or to renew registration or a permanent disabled parking placard. Customers may continue to renew their registration online at www.TxDMV.gov. At this time, TxDMV continues to fill online registration sticker requests and process all other online services.

TxDMV has informed law enforcement agencies and the offices of the county tax assessor-collectors of the temporary waiver.