▼

Animal Control

Show All Answers

1. Where can I take unwanted pets?

Laurens County Animal Control does not accept Owner Relinquishes. You will need to contact rescues.

2. How many days are dogs kept at Laurens County Animal Control kennels?

Dogs that are not marked such as collar or tag are held for five days, dogs that have collar or tag are held for ten days. Laurens County Animal Control scans all animals for micro-chip.

3. Does Laurens County Animal Control euthanize animals on the spot?

Laurens County Animal Control DOES NOT euthanize any animals. All Euthanasia is done by a licensed professional.  Each dog is held between 5-10 days if not longer. We strive to find the rightful owner and if no owner is found, ANY Georgia licensed rescue may pull from our facility..

4. How do I contact Dublin Laurens Humane Society and are they a part of Laurens County Animal Control?

We are two different entities. Dublin Laurens Humane Society does not have a phone. 

5. What happens to the animals Laurens County Animal Control receives?

Our kennel is open for ANY STATE LICENSED RESCUE to pull from. Laurens County Animal Control kennel is not open to the public and does not have an adoption policy. All adoptions are through rescues. If you are intrested in any dog in our facility, reach out to any Georgia Licensed Rescue, and have them pull from us, then you may adopt from said rescue.

6. What is a trap list?

Laurens County Animal Control provides traps, bait and man power to set live cage traps on property of a complainant. Laurens County Animal Control has a standard 24 hour check system that is required by law. We do not set in inclement weather, and also have to adhere to room availability. Bite/Dangerous cases will proceed over strays. It is on a first come, first serve basis.

7. If I set my own traps and catch a dog/cat will Laurens County Animal Control remove the animal?

Laurens County Animal Control will not check personally owned traps. It will be the responsibility of the person(s) that set trap because they assume liability for animal. 

8. What should I do if I picked up an injured animal?

Call Laurens County Animal Control and report that you have picked up the animal. Laurens County Animal Control will need picture of animal, location of the animal, where the animal was found and what veterinarian it is being transported to. Please refer to Laurens County Animal Controls STRAY HOLD procedure if that is a possibility.

9. Is is illegal to help an injured animal?

No. Safety for the public and for Laurens County animals is our top concern. Laurens County Animal Control encourages the public to call our office or a trained professional for assistance. Causing an accident or being bit by an animal could make the problem worse.

10. What is the best way to contact Laurens County Animal Control?

Call our office Monday -- Friday between 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. or leave a voice mail after hours and we will return all calls next business day. 478-277-2943

11. Will we accept animals out of Laurens County?

No.  Laurens County Animal Control will only accept animals of a Laurens County resident.

12. Does Animal Control answer wild animal calls?

Only in an emergency. All wildlife related calls are forwarded to the Department of Natural Resources 229-426-5267.

13. Can I pick up a stray animal?

It would be better if the animal is left alone for your safety and theirs. It is also illegal. Rescues are not able to pick up animals unless authorized. (Animal Protocol Rule) However if picked up Laurens County Animal Control must be contacted as soon as possible in attempt to avoid any legal matters that may occur. You may also check out our Stray Hold policy.

14. What is a stray hold?

A Stray Hold is when Laurens County Animal Control permits a
Laurens County citizen to hold or foster an animal for a period of 10 days in order to find the animals’ owner. Some restrictions may apply.

15. Does Laurens County Animal Control board animals for public?

Animal Control does not board animals for the public. Only
state licensed boarders, groomers and vets that office that service. We only quarantine
bite cases as well as strays.

16. Does Laurens County Animal Control test animals for rabies?

No. Only animals tested are the ones that have bitten or blood/saliva transfer to a pet or person. The animal is turned over to the Laurens County Health Department / Environmental Division.

17. Can I keep an animal that has been exposed to rabies?

Yes, a lot of restrictions apply. Environmental Division as well as Laurens County Animal Control will supervise.

18. I lost my pet, what do I do?

Contact Laurens County Animal Control, send a picture,
advertise in local couriers and on social media sites as well all local vets.
Report to Sheriffs’ office if possible stolen.

19. Do I need a license to rescue animals?

Yes. Agriculture Department issues license to qualified people. Rescues can only receive from other rescues or owner surrenders. It is illegal to pick up animals at random and rescue/foster without going through the proper channels. Fosters generally work under the rescues license.

20. What court system does Laurens County Animal Control use?

Magistrate Court of Laurens County with the Honorable Judge Colby Crabb presiding, located at Laurens County Courthouse Downtown Dublin.

21. What do I do if I've been bitten by an animal?

Seek medical attention first. Laurens County Animal Control
needs to be contacted as well as Laurens County Health Department/Environmental
Division. Animal needs to be held for 10 days and checked to see if it is
current or at least had a rabies shot. Description of animal, location  and owner of animal will be needed.

22. I Picked Up a Dog Can I Take The Dog To a Rescue?

Agriculture Department clearly states in article "Rescue groups are not authorized to impound animals unless they are contracted by a government agency in Georgia to provide Animal Control Services.

23. What shots for my pets are required?

Rabies is the only one required by law and may only be given
by a licensed veterinarian.

24. How To Become A Rescue?

Call Department of Agriculture, you will need to go online and follow directions.

25. Does Laurens County Animal Control answer calls involving livestock?

Yes. Laurens County Animal Control will check welfare as well as livestock at large. Most livestock calls will need to be directed to Agriculture Department http://agr.georgia.gov/ Laurens County Animal Control is not equipped to transport or hold some livestock. We use “livestock
handlers” much like our sheriffs’ office uses wrecker services. Contact us if
interested in ( livestock handling ) * restrictions may apply

▼

Clerk of the Courts

Show All Answers

1. How do I file a divorce without an attorney?

Visit the Eighth Judicial Administrative District of Georgia's website to print out forms. Fill them out and bring them to the Clerks office.

▼

Code Enforcement

Show All Answers

1. Will I be able to build my own house without a license?

Please refer to the Georgia Secretary of State Website for Residential and General Contractors FAQ.

2. What is the cost of a residential permit and where is it issued?

Residential building permits are $0.25 per square feet of heated space. Do not count garages, porches, decks as square footage. 

• Business: $25
• Manufactured/Modular homes: $100

Permits

Permits are issued at the Laurens County 911 Call Center 478-275-7099.

▼

Emergency 911

Show All Answers

1. When should I call 911?

Call 911 when you need to report an incident that is:

• Any emergency crime in progress or that has just recently occurred
• Any fire or medical problem that will require emergency assistance
• A threat to life and/or property, such as a fire or smoke

2. When should I avoid calling 911?

If your utilities are out, such as cable, power, phone, etc. contact the company that provides you those services. 

If you have questions considering inclement weather, road conditions or school closings, listen to a local radio station, tune to local television channels or monitor apps or social media on your mobile device. 

For general information, call 478-272-7985. 

Never call 911 as a joke or prank! 

3. What will the 911 call-taker need to know when I call 911?

• The location of the emergency
• The nature of the emergency (what exactly is happening or just happened) 
• Description of persons/vehicles involved in the incident or landmarks and/or directions to the emergency.
• The phone number that you are calling from
• Your name

It is important to stay calm, speak clearly and stay on the line as long as you feel safe and/or until the call-taker tells you to hang up. It might seem that the dispatcher is asking too many questions. It is important for the call taker to get as much information as possible. The information you provide on 911 is relayed to the units that are responding to the incident location.

4. What is the difference between a residential (home) call and a cell phone call?

Most calls for assistance from residential phones will come into the 911 center with a name, telephone number and address. However, the dispatcher will still verify this information to make sure it is correct and that the responding agencies are directed to the proper location.

Wireless or Cell Phone Calls

Wireless or cell phone calls that come in will contain varying information. This information depends on the type of cell phone that you have and whether it is GPS-capable. GPS-capable phones will provide an estimated physical location. The caller name and location are not available to the 911 call taker and will have to be verified. Providing landmarks, mile markers and general location descriptors will help speed a response to your location.

5. Can I request copies of dispatch reports or 911 audio recordings?

You can request paper copies of dispatch reports and/or 911 audio recordings. They can be requested and released, as long as they are not part of an active investigation. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50 18, 1971(c) and (d), Laurens County is authorized to charge for the costs of producing documents requested. The cost of producing these documents is .10¢ per page and $5 per disc, as well as a charge for the "direct administrative costs for complying with a request under this code section." This means you will be charged the hourly salary of the lowest paid full-time employee who has the necessary skill and training to perform the request. However, you will not be charged for the first 15 minutes spent on your request. You will be contacted via email and sent a cost worksheet reflecting any necessary fees. Requests are fulfilled in the order they are received. 

Request Form

The request form (if not submitted online) may be mailed or dropped off in person at:
515 Southern Pines Road
Dublin, GA 31021 

It can also be faxed to 478-275-7295. The 911 Communications Center has 3 business days (72 hours) to acknowledge receipt of the request and to inform you how long it will take to complete the request. (Open Records Act Request: O.C.G.A. 50 18, 1970.) The E911 Center will take payment in the form of cash, check or credit card. You will be provided a receipt for your records.

6. Does Laurens County have a non emergent phone line?

Yes! The non-emergent number during normal business hours (M-F 8am-5pm) is 478-275-7099. 

After normal business hours and on weekends call 478-272-7985. 

▼

Finance

Show All Answers

1. When does the County's Fiscal Year begin and end?

Laurens County’s fiscal year begins July 1st and ends June 30th.

2. Is the County audited?

The State of Georgia requires local governments to submit annual financial statements to the State Auditor. Laurens County is audited annually by an independent auditing firm. The fiscal year 2017 audit was completed by TJS Deemer Dana.

▼

Footer

Show All Answers

1. Who do I call for a marriage license?

Laurens County Probate Court issues all marriage license. 

2. Where do I get a birth certificate?

Laurens
County Health Department

650 County Farm Road

Dublin, GA 31021

Phone: (478) 272-2051

3. Do I need a business license for the county?

No, the county does not require a business license. City businesses will have to contact the City ofDublin Inspections Department.

4. Where do I get a gun permit?

Laurens County Probate Court issues all weapon carry license.

▼

General

Show All Answers

1. Who do I talk to about Jury Duty?

All Jury Duty is coordinated by the Clerk of Courts Office.

2. What do I need for a building permit?

All Building Permits will be obtained through the Emergency 911 Center.

3. Who do I call for septic permits?

You will need to fill out an application for
your septic permit with the Laurens County Environmental Health Office. Their phone number is (478) 275-6779. Environmental
Health will contact you to set up an appointment for the site evaluation.

4. Do I need a business license for the county?

No, the county does not require a business license in unincorporated areas. City businesses will have to contact the City of Dublin Inspections Department..

5. How do I obtain a cell phone tower permit?

You may obtain a permit here and a copy of the County Ordinance here or you may contact the County Administrator.

6. Where do I get a passport?

All passports are handled through the Clerk of Courts Deeds Division.

7. Do you need a permit to perform renovations?

No
you will not need a permit to perform renovations. Permits are only required for new construction.

8. What items does the landfill accept?

You may click on this link to find out all information pertaining to the Landfill.

9. Where do I get a birth certificate?

Laurens
County Health Department

650 County Farm Road

Dublin, GA 31021

Phone:(478) 272-2051

10. Who do I call for a marriage license?

Laurens County Probate Court issues all marriage license. 

11. What are the hours of the collection centers?

Collection Centers days of operation, hours of operation and locations may be found here.

▼

Juvenile Court

Show All Answers

1. Is this Juvenile Court?

This is the Judge's Office, if you need court information, please call the Clerk of Courts office at 478-272-3210.

2. Can I speak with the Judge?

If this matter is a court matter and already open he is unable to speak with you. Please contact your attorney.

▼

Landfill

Show All Answers

1. What are the hours of operation for the collection centers?

The collection centers are open 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.

2. Where can I take material to be recycled?

The Laurens County collection centers have recycling bins for various recyclables. If your item is not on the list of recyclables accepted at those facilities, email Ralph Brooks at the landfill for assistance or call 478-676-3963.

▼

LCSO

Show All Answers

1. How Do I Obtain An Incident Report?

HOW DO I GET A LCSO REPORT?

Certain types of Sheriff's Office reports are available for release to authorized persons. To obtain a copy of your report, please visit the Sheriff's Office at 511 Southern Pines Road during normal business hours (8:00 am until 5 pm Monday through Friday.) You will need to provide identifying information, and you must be a named, involved party to the case or an authorized representative to a named, involved party to the case in order to request and receive a copy of the report.

If you have any questions please contact the Records Division at 478-272-1522.

2. How Do I Visit An Inmate?

Detainees may be allowed to have visits from immediate family unless this privilege has been restricted for disciplinary reasons.  Mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, sister, brother and grandparents compromise immediate family.  Visitation will be limited to four (4) persons as named by the detainee.  Children under 12 are not allowed to visit.  Detainees will generally be scheduled for visitation based on the visitation plan established by the Jail Administrator and detainees must complete a visitation list prior to the day of visitation.  Below is the scheduled day for visitation based off the detainees last name:

Mondays - Last name beginning with A - F

Tuesdays - Last name beginning with G - N

Wednesdays - All female detainees

Thursdays - Last name beginning with O - T

Fridays - Last name beginning with U - Z

Visiting hours are from 9:30am - 11:00am and visitors must be signed in by 10:30am to visit.

Attorneys: Attorneys may visit at any time before 9:30pm.  

Clergy: Clergy times are 2:00pm - 4:00pm.

  

3. How Do I File A Complaint Against A Deputy / Jailer?

Serious complaints, such as criminal misconduct or brutality, are investigated by Internal Affairs. Less serious complaints, such as discourtesy and unprofessional conduct, will normally be investigated by the employee’s supervisor. Complaints may be made in person, via regular or electronic email, or by calling the Internal Affairs Division between the hours of 8:00 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) at 478-272-1522

▼

Senior Center

Show All Answers

1. What age do I need to be to participate in Meals on Wheels?

A minimum age of 60.

2. How often are meals served?

Meals are served once daily. Meals are provided Monday-Friday. Meals will not be provided on Holidays.

3. How do I receive meals?

Information is collected from the client and a referral is then sent to the main office. 

▼

Smoke Alarms

Show All Answers

1. Why should my home have smoke alarms?

In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signa so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety features you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family and your home.

2. Where do I put them?

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside the sleeping area.

Rising Smoke

Also, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or 6 to 8 inches below the ceiling on side walls. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

3. Where do I purchase smoke alarms?

Many hardware, home supply or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. Make sure the alarm you buy is UL-listed. If you are unsure where to buy one in your community, call your local fire department at 478-277-2911 (on a non-emergency telephone number) and they will provide you with some suggestions. Some fire departments offer smoke alarms for little or no cost.

4. Are smoke alarms difficult to install?

Not a bit. In most cases, all you will need is a screwdriver. Many brands are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. However, be sure to follow the directions from the manufacturer because each brand is different. If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help. Some fire departments will actually install a smoke alarm in your home for you. Call your local fire department at 478-277-2911 (again, on a non-emergency telephone number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm.

5. How do I keep my smoke alarms working?

Smoke alarms are very easy to take care of. There are two steps to remember.

• Simply replace the batteries at least once a year.
  Tip: Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day. Some smoke alarms now on the market come with a ten-year battery. These alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus avoiding the need for battery replacement. If your smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the batteries and reset it.
• Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.

6. What if the alarm goes off when I am cooking?

Then it's doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location.

7. How long will my smoke detector last?

About 8 to 10 years, after which it should be replaced. Like most electrical devices, smoke alarms wear out. You may want to write the purchase date with a marker on the inside of your unit. That way, you'll know when to replace it. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement.

8. Anything else I should know?

Some smoke alarms are considered to be "hard wired." This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery back-up. It's important to test every smoke alarm monthly. Always use new batteries when replacing old ones.

▼

Tax Commissioner

Show All Answers

1. Why are my taxes so high?

Taxes are based on value set by the Laurens County Board of Tax Assessors and millage rates are set by the Laurens County Board of Commissioners, the Laurens County Board of Education, Dublin Board of Education and individual Cities.

2. Can I renew my decals online?

Yes, visit the Department of Revenue website.

▼

Voting

Show All Answers

1. How do I apply for an absentee ballot?

You may request an absentee ballot as early as 78 days before a primary or election but no later than 11 days prior to a primary or election. Absentee ballots should be received prior to 7:00 p.m. on election day. No absentee ballots are issued on election day. You may submit an absentee ballot application (PDF) by mail or fax it to your county board of registrars' office. The application must be the designated form on the Secretary of States website or Laurens County Board of Registrars website with the reason for voting by absentee ballot, sufficient information to identify you as a voter, and the election in which you wish to vote. If you are physically disabled or living temporarily outside your county of residence, a  relative as stipulated in code O.C.G.A 21-2-385 may apply for an absentee ballot for you.

Uniformed & Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act

Applications for absentee ballots by uniformed or overseas voters (pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) can be accepted more than 180 days prior to a primary or election in which a federal candidate appears on the ballot as well as for any runoffs resulting therefrom including presidential preference primaries for two general elections.

2. May I receive assistance with my absentee ballot?

A physically disabled or illiterate voter may receive assistance from another voter in the same county or municipality or from the same category of relatives who can make an application for or deliver an absentee ballot (PDF). If the voter is outside of the county or municipality, then a notary public can provide such assistance. Any person who assists another person to vote absentee must complete an oath prescribed by law demonstrating the statutory disability and that the ballot was completed as the voter desired. A candidate on the ballot, or a relative of a candidate on the ballot, may not offer assistance during the election to any voter.

3. Are there any restrictions regarding attachments to the Absentee Ballot application?

An application for an absentee ballot cannot be physically attached to a publication that advocates for or against a particular candidate, issue, etc. and distributed by any person, entity, or organization.