TOWN OPERATIONS CHANGING IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
We continue to actively monitor the COVID-19 situation, which is rapidly evolving. The Town is committed to the continued health and optimal safety of our residents as well as our employees and we intend to do our part to “flatten the curve” of the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, the Select Board has decided that effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the Town Offices will be closed to the public until further notice. As of right now, the Transfer Station will remain open, with the exception of the Swap Shop. We ask that you refrain from bringing in bulky items until further notice.
However, we will still be working to serve the residents of Effingham. We intend to do our best to operate as a “VIRTUAL TOWN HALL.” In today’s world, many of the transactions for our residents can be done online or arranged via phone, email, or drop box. Resident questions can and will be answered via phone or email. Our Town employees will be working both remotely and on-site—but we will continue to be at your service. Information on online services available at this website effinghamnh.net.
Non-Emergency COVID-19 questions, please CALL 2-1-1 (state 24/7 hotline for health/social services).
POLICE – ALL EMERGENCIES CALL 911
All other inquiries and requests call 539-5380 or email: police@effinghamnh.net – Officers will address needs via telephone where possible. No VIN verifications, fingerprinting, motor vehicle lock-outs, or other walk-in services.
FIRE / EMS – ALL EMERGENCIES CALL 911
All other inquiries, including burn permits, call 539-7956 or email: efandr@hotmail.com.
TOWN OFFICES – 539-7770
Select Board/Town/Assessing Offices are closed to the public but available by phone during regular hours or email: townofeffingham@effinghamnh.net or officeassistant@effinghamnh.net. Regular hours as of March 2nd are: Monday: 8am-2pm, Tuesdays: 8am-2pm, Thursday: 8am-2pm, Friday: 8am-12noon.
SELECT BOARD – With the COVID-19 virus precautions in mind, the Select Board will be restricting their meeting agendas to essential business only. The Select Board is suspending the public comment portion of meetings until there is no longer a health and safety concern respective to public gatherings. Citizens with issues or concerns for the Board can relay them through the office at the emails and phone number above.
The Select Board will be move their Tuesday meeting time to 9am in light of Emergency Order #12 and Executive Order 2020-4 beginning with Tuesday April 7, 2020.
- Anyone interested in joining a Select Board meeting must request the access code by 4pm on the day prior from this link: Email Audrey.
- Please call the office at (603) 539-7770 if there’s any difficulty accessing the meeting.
- No citizens allowed in meeting room to maximize public safety.
ASSESSING – 539-7770 – Property assessment information and applications are available by either calling the Assessing Office or email: assessing@effinghamnh.net. Veteran Credit, Elderly Exemption and Current Use applications are available on the municipal website at effinghamnh.net under “Docs, Forms and Applications on the left side of the page. Property assessment cards and applications can be emailed or sent via U.S. Mail. If you need to drop off applications, review request materials, intents to cut or reports of cut, etc., there is a Drop Box located on the outside of the Municipal Office Building at 68 School Street, Effingham NH
TRANSFER STATION – Public safety permitting, we are open for regular services, so long as safe social distancing is maintained:please wear face covering and maintain at least six feet between all persons.
- Employees will not be stationed to assist unloading at this time.
- The full force and effect of the Transfer Station Ordinance will continue.
The current dump stickers ending June 1, 2020, are being extended to JULY 1ST to accommodate strain of services around the COVID19. In early June, the Town sticker policy extension will be evaluated again for possible further extension.
If you do not currently have a dump sticker, please mail or drop in drop box at office a copy of the vehicle registration(s) with cash or check for $1.00 per sticker along with a self-addressed postage-applied return envelope to the Town Office for processing.
TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR – 539-7551 – Office closed to the public except by appointment only until further notice.
Vehicle registration renewals, dog licenses, vital records requests are available online (left side bar column of website). All other inquiries, including marriage licenses, please inquire by email effinghamdeanna@roadrunner.com or tcassist@effinghamnh.net or leave a message if we cannot answer the phone.
Phone will be answered as best we can around appointments. Regular hours as of March 2nd are: Monday: 8am-2pm, Tuesdays: 8am-2pm, Thursday: 8am-2pm, Friday: 8am-12noon.
DROP BOX – At the public entrance to Town Offices, there is a secure mailbox where you may drop off checks (PLEASE NO CASH) or other paperwork. Should your paperwork not fit, please contact the number above to make alternative arrangements.
BUILDING REVIEW/ LAND USE/ PLANNING/ ZONING
Currently, call 539-7770 regarding any new land use applications or Intents to Cut. Building Permit applications are available online Docs, Forms and Applications.
Review of ongoing Zoning Permit Applications and answering zoning questions is now being handled remotely. At this time there are no Office Hours and telephone messages will not be responded to. You may reach Rebecca by email zoningofficer@effinghamnh.net.
DROP BOX: is located at the public entrance to Town Offices for any documents to be dropped for pickup.
ROAD CONTRACTOR – The Road Contractor will continue to maintain normal operations at the current time.
LIBRARY – 539-1537 – The Effingham Public Library will be re-opening for curbside pick-up on Wednesday, June 3. The public may call or email to place book, DVD, game or puzzle orders. You may also request a “surprise” package of items that the Library staff will tailor to your request. The building will continue to be closed to the public until further notice. while the staff works to fulfill your orders and continue to tackle admin tasks. Don’t forget our options of downloading books or audio materials. Check out our website or Facebook page for updates!
We apologize for the inconvenience of our library closure and hope you understand we want the best outcome for everyone in this situation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us: 539-1537 or email: effinghamlibrary@gmail.com.
ALL UPDATES TO TOWN CHANGES WILL BE POSTED ON WWW.EFFINGHAMNH.NET
