Syracuse Sun

Madison County issued the following announcement on Dec. 16.

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and the anticipated rise throughout the extended Holiday Season, the Madison County Complex will be reduced to essential in-person operations only beginning December 21, 2020 to tentatively January 18, 2020. This is being done in an effort to keep our Employees and Visitors safe and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Below is a description of services that each Department will continue to provide during this time. If you have questions for a specific Department, please reach out to them directly.

Treasury and Real Property Tax

If you are looking for information on how you can pay your property taxes, please contact the Treasurer’s Office and Real Property Department by calling 315-366-2371 or visit: Treasurer | Madison County, NY

The Treasury Department will remain staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM excluding holidays and will be taking appointments for individuals to pay their property taxes. To make an appointment between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM Monday through Friday, please call 315-366-2371. Appointments must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.

Please note that paying with cash is strongly discouraged. Payment(s) can be mailed to Madison County Treasurer, PO Box 665, 138 N Court Street, Wampsville NY  13163.  Receipts are always mailed back. 

Payment for taxes can also be made online, with additional fees at https://pay.xpress-pay.com/?org=1384C299753E40C. If you wish to drop off your payment, there will be a lock box located at the Sheriff’s station at the main entrance of the building.  The Madison County Sheriff’s Department will put the envelope in the slot of the lock box and cannot assist anyone in any other way. 

Department of Motor Vehicles

Individuals who already have appointments scheduled will be able to keep their appointments. 

ALL Vehicle registration transactions by drop box and postal mail ONLY.  In addition, we will no longer have the ability to distribute plates and registrations for customers who mailed in or dropped off their work. Everything will be returned to customers by postal mail.

As a result, anyone needing new plates will be required to include $5 for postage, this should begin today. DO NOT include a prepaid envelope, they’re never for the correct amount.  

If you are looking to make an appointment with the DMV please visit:  https://madisoncountydmv.setmore.com/bookappointment

For a short video explaining services still being provided by the DMV, please visit: Madison County DMV Update on Operations - YouTube 

Department of Social Services

Please take a look at the following resources for any Social Services you may need. 

MyBenefits: 

To find services and programs you might be eligible for and submit applications to have your eligibility determined, Please visit: https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin . The web site can be accessed 24/7 and does not require you to leave your home. If any further information is necessary, the local DSS will contact you at the number you provide.

Find Services: 

On November 16, NYS launched a new web application to help New Yorkers find State services and benefits easily. The Find Services application collects some basic information about what you need and provides direction on who to contact. To view this application, please visit: https://findservices.ny.gov/app/survey 

NYDocSubmit:

Also available to residents is a free mobile application called NYDocSubmit. This app provides individuals who have applied for or are receiving DSS benefits to submit documentation to the DSS in a simple and fast way. It is available for download on Google Play (TM) or the Apple App Store (TM) and can be used to take photos of documents and upload them to Madison County DSS.

DSS Dropbox:

A drop box is available for Madison County Department of Social Services and is located outside of their building at 133 N Court Street, Building 1, Wampsville, NY 13163. The drop box is emptied daily, Monday through Friday. 

Mental Health

The Mental Health Department continues to offer support to new and existing residents virtually through telehealth. Staff continue to be in the office to direct calls from 8am-4pm and the crisis line is always available 24/7 (prompt 1): 315-366-2327.

If you would like to start services, please call our main line (315-366-2327), choose prompt 2 to speak with someone in our office. You may also email MHintake@madisoncounty.ny.gov and someone from our office will contact you during regular business hours to gather information and schedule an intake appointment via teletherapy.

If you are an existing client, please be aware that therapists are often working remotely and may call you from a blocked number. If you are trying to reach your therapist, please call the main number (315-366-2327) and choose prompt 2 to speak with office staff; they can direct your call.

Psychiatric providers are also working remotely. If you miss a telehealth appointment with your provider, please call the main number (315-366-2327) and choose prompt 3.

If you are prescribed medications or receive injections through our clinic and have questions or concerns, you can call the main number (315-366-2327) and choose prompt 4 to leave a message for our nurse. Please check with your pharmacy if you need a refill as many refills are called in ahead of time by our nurse.

For COVID-19 support, please visit: COVID-19 Resources: Mental Health | Madison County, NY 

Solid Waste & Recycling

The Solid Waste Main Office will be CLOSED to the public and all punch cards will be sold at the Scale House (6641 Buyea Road, Canastota). The Scale House, Landfill and Transfer Stations will continue to operate on their normal schedule. 

Residents can buy punch cards from either the Scale House (next driveway over from the main office) or from designated local gas stations and businesses. To see a list of all of our local vendors who sell punch cards, please visit: www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/2468/Punch-Card-Vendors.

Please be advised that some local vendors may have reduced hours during this time. If possible, call ahead to the nearest punch card vendor to make sure they are open.

Veterans Service Agency

The Madison County Veterans Service agency continues to be available to assist the veteran community. Any one requiring veteran services or VA claims assistance must first call our office at (315)366-2395 and we will make the necessary arrangements to address the issue or concern. 

Office staff are working remotely, therefore access to the office will be limited to emergency situations only and where other means of communication and correspondence will not suffice. 

All walk-in services and in-home claims assistance continues to be suspended until further notice.

Probation

The Probation Department will continue to work by appointment only, walk-ins will not be seen. 

Those seeking an Order of Protection through Family Court should contact the court directly to file a petition.  

Payments for restitution will need to be made by money order or through GovPay by phone (888-604-7888) or online at www.GovPayNOW.com using pay location code: 6873.

Original source can be found here.