COVID-19 Updates and Reminders
Most James City County offices, facilities and libraries are closed to walk-in traffic. The County continues to provide most services by appointment, by phone or online. Visit jamescitycountyva.gov or call 757-253-6728 for more information on individual departments and services. County parks and trails are open, and visitors are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information about park amenities, call 757-259-5360.
Voter Registration and Elections
James City County does not have an election in May. The next election for James City County voters is Tuesday, June 23 and it is a primary. The deadline to register for the June 23 polling day or to update your address or other registration information is Tuesday, May 26.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage all James City County Voters to Vote from Home by absentee ballot. Visit the website for your options for obtaining an application or making your request: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/1044/Voter-Registration-Elections
Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes
James City County personal property and real estate tax bills have been mailed and are due Friday, June 5. If you did not receive your tax bill, please call the Treasurer’s Office at 757-253-6705. Taxes are still due even if you did not receive the bill.
The Board of Supervisors voted on May 5 to not charge a late payment penalty for personal property tax payments made between June 6, 2020 and midnight, Aug. 5, 2020. Interest will be charged at a rate of rate of ten percent (10%) per annum (about .83% monthly) for all payments made after June 5, 2020. Visit the website for more information: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=3919
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Grieving the loss of a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic can be extra difficult. CDC released information to help individuals and families plan and hold funeral services as safely as possible during this time. Considerations include:
• Connecting virtually with family and friends during the grieving process
• Using grief counseling services, support groups, or hotlines
• Modified funeral arrangements
• Practicing social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet between funeral attendees
• Wearing cloth face coverings while around others
• Modifications to funeral rites and rituals
Read more information about honoring a loved one during COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/funeral-guidance.html
Police
Fingerprinting services had previously been suspended by the Police Department due to COVID-19. Fingerprinting services are now being offered by appointment only. You may call the Department at 757-253-1800 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to make an appointment.
Business Updates
Business owners are encouraged to see if they qualify for a forgivable loan from the Greater Williamsburg Small Business Relief Fund. https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/3771/Greater-Williamsburg-Small-Business-Reli.
SCORE has a great article about how to digitally transform your business and what benefits digital transformation can provide. https://www.score.org/blog/digitally-transform-your-business-during-covid-19-pandemic
Business owners are encouraged to sign up for the Economic Development Emergency Information newsletter. Subscribe online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/list.aspx?ListID=356. Previous messages are available online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/list.aspx?PRVMSG=356.
For more information for businesses, please visit https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3751.
Parks & Recreation
Parks & Recreation wants to help you and your family stay engaged while feeling “safer at home.” Our Virtual Programming page offers outlets for activities for all ages to do at home, in your yard, or in our parks. New this week – let us bring the outdoors to you during Parks to Kids Day, test your artistic abilities in the Cartoon Challenge, sign up for the fun Family Trivia Night, banish the boredom for teens with indoor and DIY projects, and answer the call of the wild by exploring your common backyard birds! Get the details on this new programming at https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3765/Virtual-Programming and our ongoing list of programming at https://jamescitycountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24687/Ongoing-Virtual-Programs-PDF. The list is updated weekly.
James City County has a variety of opportunities available in our parks to maintain your mental wellness and connect to nature during these uncertain times. Whether you want to get some exercise or reduce your stress, we can help. All County parks are open; however, patrons must practice social distancing. Please maintain a social distance of at least 6-feet and groups of 10 or more are prohibited. Dogs must be leashed and under the complete and immediate control of their owner at all times. For the complete list of park amenity openings and closings, visit https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3950.
Park Updates:
The Chickahominy Riverfront Park campground is open for all length of camp stays. Per the Governor’s phased reopenings, camping is an activity that can be done safely within social distancing guidelines The Guest Services building remains closed, but campers can make reservations and complete other transactions by calling 757-258-5020 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Beginning Thursday, May 21, the Guest Services service window will open 11a.m. – 4 p.m. daily for the sale of ice, firewood and other transactions. The Guest Services building will remain closed until further notice. Paddlecraft rentals are not available at this time. The walking trail, boat ramp, fishing pier and lots of open space are open and available.
Social Services
Have you lost your job or had your hours reduced due to COVID-19? You may be eligible for assistance through the Department of Social Services. https://jamescitycountyva.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=3822
Need help? Know someone who does?
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others
- Call 911
- Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
For more information
- Hotline: 757-564-2140
- https://jamescitycountyva.gov/covid
- www.facebook.com/jamescitycounty
- www.twitter.com/jamescitycounty
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information:
- Virginia Department of Health (VDH): www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus, Phone: 1-877-ASK-VDH3 or Peninsula Health District Call Center: 757-564-7069, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
- FEMA Rumor Control: www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control
Media Contact:
Renee Dallman, Public Information Officer
757-272-3337; renee.dallman@jamescitycountyva.gov