COVID-19 DEPARTMENT DETAIL - UPDATED 05/18/2021

Upon the recommendation of the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask/facial covering to enter the Mercer County Courthouse. Proof of vaccination will not be monitored for entry. As a general policy, the County will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC. Please note that some County and Court offices may have stricter guidelines in place. Check with an employee or office signage for masking and social distancing policies. Individuals, regardless of age, who are not fully vaccinated should continue to keep practicing all mitigation policies, such as masking and social distancing.

For the safety of all visitors and staff, remember to practice good hygiene including washing your hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. Please use common sense and be respectful and kind to one another.

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COURTS

The Mercer County Court of Common Pleas will be open for all business subject to the following:

• All persons present, including parties, attorneys, court staff, sheriff deputies, and others shall wear masks, practice social distancing, use hand sanitizer, and take all other precautions.
• Courtrooms No, 1 and 2 shall be utilized for any hearings with a larger number of people,
• Courts will continue to use advanced technology communications to the greatest extent possible subject to state and federal constitutional requirements.
• Jury trials will be subject to the following:
• The number of prospective jurors at any one time will be limited to the least amount necessary as determined by the Court Administrator and President Judge to ensure that a fair jury is obtained,
• Courtrooms No. 1 and 2 will be utilized for any trials.
• Additional seating will be arranged to ensure that jurors can practice social distancing.
• Trial jurors will use jury rooms 1 and 2 during breaks but will hold deliberations in Courtroom No. 3 or 4.
• All parties shall wear masks, practice social distancing, use hand sanitizer, and take all other precautions.
• Any additional precautions the President Judge may determine for the health and safety of all persons present.
• All Common Pleas Judges shall have the authority to limit the amount of persons present at any one time in their courtrooms subject to state and federal constitutional rights.
• All Magisterial District Judges shall have the authority to limit the number of persons present at any one time in their courtrooms subject to state and federal constitutional rights.
• Furthermore, all Magisterial District Judges shall have the authority to limit the number of persons present at any one time in their buildings subject to state and federal constitutional rights.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COMMISSION

Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission now has a COVID-19 Warm Line up and running through Central Intake during the normal business hours. The number is the same - 724-662-2230 - and individuals will need to identify that they would like to speak with someone about COVID-19, be asked to leave their name/number and one of the staff will call them back. Please note that when someone is called back, the number will be from a blocked/restricted number since staff are working from home. Staff members will be able to provide linkages to area supports, government websites related to COVID-19, etc. This does not take the place of any other service in our county.

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CLERK OF COURTS - 724-662-7548

Criminal filings may be brought in, mailed to the Clerk of Courts, 112 Courthouse, Mercer, PA 16137 or faxed to 724-662-1604. For anyone needing to make payments on fines, costs or restitution, you may come into the office or mail your payment to the Clerk of Courts, 112 Courthouse, Mercer, PA 16137. If you include a self-addressed stamped envelope, we will mail you a receipt. We also have available a website for online case payments at: http://ujsportal.pacourts.us. Click on PAePay and follow the prompts. Should you have further questions, you can contact the Cost Collections Department at 724-662-3800, extensions 2410, 2419 or 2426.

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ELECTIONS / VOTER REGISTRATION - 724-662-7542

Primary public interaction would include registering to vote, updating a voter registration and applying for an absentee/mail-in ballot. All voter registration and absentee/mail-in applications can be conducted online or by mail. While the office is open, we are following social distancing guidelines so office access will be limited to one or two people at a time. Visitors might be required to wait in a properly spaced line depending on how busy foot traffic is at any one time. Voters who can should continue to conduct their business electronically at www.votespa.com or by mail. If voters cannot access applications, we would be happy to mail them the correct form if they call our office.

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PROTHONOTARY - 724-662-7561

We are open for filing of documents. However, we encourage the use of filing by mail, FedEx or UPS. We no longer accept fillings by email.

Current Operations of Business:
Forms for Divorces and Custody filings are available on the County website (https://www.mcc.co.mercer.pa.us) for free. We will be happy to answer any questions concerning these forms and the fees to file them. Phone: 724-662-7561

Passports
We have resumed taking passport applications. However, Passport Services will not be able to meet its usual processing time of 6-8 weeks for routine service. Customers should expect significant delays beyond the time period it normally takes to receive their passport and citizenship evidence documents. For further information check the official website for passport information at https://travel.state.gov

PFA (Protection from Abuse)
As always, we will be open for filing of Protection from Abuse cases. Only the party requesting the PFA need appear for the temporary hearing. There is no need to bring extra people with you for the initial filing. They can appear with you for your full hearing when scheduled.

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REGISTER OF WILLS ORPHANS' COURT - 724-662-7548

The Register of Wills office is now probating estates by appointment. One estate per appointment. All renunciations, subscribing and non-subscribing witnesses must be notarized outside the office. All other filings may be brought into the office or may be mailed to the Register of Wills, 112 Courthouse, Mercer, PA 16137. To set up appointments or if you have any questions, please call 724-662-3800, Extensions 2246 or 2253.

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SHERIFF'S OFFICE - 724-662-6135

To do our part to ensure that we maintain safety for our customers and staff, the Mercer County Sheriff's Office will be accepting applications for a License to Carry Firearms Online or by Mail.

Here are the steps that you will need to follow:

• Online

• Navigate to https://mercerpa.permitium.com/ccw/start
• You can complete an application, pay by credit/debit card, receive personal notifications by email or text, and make your own appointments online.

• Mail

• Fill out the application in its entirety. Applications are available for download at https://www.mcc.co.mercer.pa.us/sheriff/default.htmor in-person at the Sheriff's Office.
• Make aphotocopy of your driver's license.(If there are changes to your driver's license, such as address or name, make a photocopy of your update card). If you are submitting a renewal application, make a photocopy of your License to Carry Firearms.
• Issue a Check or Money Order in the amount of $20.00 to the Mercer County Sheriff
• Mail completed application, required photocopies, and check or money order to: Mercer County Sheriff's Office, 205 S Erie St, Mercer, PA 16137, Attn: CC Permits

Once your application has been received, and initially processed, you will be called and given a date and time to appear at the Sheriff's Office to complete your application process for a License to Carry Firearms. As we continue processing applications as quickly as possible, we appreciate your patience in these times of uncertainty. Processing may take up to 45 days.

Sheriff's Sale
Information and the schedule for Sheriff Sales can be found here: https://www.mcc.co.mercer.pa.us/sheriff/divisions/realestate.htm

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SOIL CONSERVATION - 724-662-2242

We have transitioned to normal business operations. There are limited public programs available. Please go to www.mercercountycd.com for more information on programs.

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday from 8:00 am -4:00pm

Any other questions or inquiries and requests for assistance, please call 724-662-2242 during normal business hours or contact us by email at jrussell@mcc.co.mercer.pa.us.

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TREASURER - 724-662-4440 or 724-662-7508

We encourage everyone to conduct as much business as possible with our office from home via phone, mail, or internet. We are available via phone (724-662-4440) to help you with any barriers to accessing these services.

Dog Licenses - 724-662-4440 or 724-662-7508
Applications and payment can be mailed to our office at 104 Courthouse, Mercer PA 16137. Dog Licenses can also be purchased at: https://www.doglicenses.us/PA/Mercer.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses - 724-662-4440 or 724-662-7508
Hunting and Fishing Licenses can be purchased at https://huntfish.pa.gov/

Boat Registrations - 724-662-4440 or 724-662-7508
The Mercer County Treasurer's Office will not be suspending boat registrations, but we strongly encourage you to use the information on the following site to mail your boat registration directly to the Boat Commission. https://www.fishandboat.com/Boat/RegisterTitle/Pages/default.aspx

Small Games of Chance/Bingo - 724-662-4440 or 724-662-7508
All Small Games of Chance and Bingo applications should be sent through the mail with payment. The application will be processed and mailed to your desired address. If you need blank applications, please visit https://www.mcc.co.mercer.pa.us/treasurer/Licenses.htm to print the application or call the office and one can be mailed to you.

*Please remember to have the signature page of the application notarized to prevent delay of license processing. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office at 724-662-4440.

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VETERANS AFFAIRS - 724-662-7511

EFFECTIVE FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021: The Veterans Affairs office is open to the public. Please call the office prior to any visit. Calling to schedule an appointment is ADVISED. The office is available for walk-ins however you may experience a wait time due to previously scheduled appointments.

NORMAL HOURS OF OPERATION: 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.

There is a sign in sheet upon your arrival. After signing in, if there is someone ahead of you please wait on the bench in the hallway. While visiting and working at the courthouse, ALL veterans, clients, and staff will maintain social distancing (when possible) and wear appropriate face coverings. Thank you for your time and patience concerning the nature of your visit to Veterans Affairs.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Mercer County Veterans Affairs
14 Courthouse
Mercer, Pa 16137
Phone: 724-662-7511
Fax: 724-662-7516

Email:
Director, Bradley Alan: balan@mcc.co.mercer.pa.us
Assistant Director, Tammy McLaughlin: tmclaughlin@mcc.co.mercer.pa.us
Administrative Assistant, Nathan Floyd: nfloyd@mcc.co.mercer.pa.us

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CONTACT INFORMATION