Board of Commissioners Discuss Strategy to Combat COVID-19
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The Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday focused on Fulton County's efforts to tackle COVID-19.
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Water Shut Off for Government Center Tower
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Water will be shut off to the Government Center Tower starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 8 through 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9 in order for a contractor to replace some piping through a portion of the parking garage.
During this time, restrooms, water fountains, and sinks will not have water in the Government Center Tower. This is the tall portion of the Government Center with the 10 floors containing the Commissioner’s Offices, County Manager, and Finance Department.
The nearest restrooms and water fountain will be on the first floor adjacent to Assembly Hall. This will not impact the Public Safety Building or other portions of the Government Center.
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Fulton County Government’s Department of Information Technology (FCIT) Network Refresh Initiative
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Fulton County Government’s Department of Information Technology (FCIT) Network Refresh Initiative is underway. The upgrade will enhance internal communications for the County across multiple platforms, providing an improved user experience.
The implementation of a system-wide upgrade will improve Fulton County’s infrastructure with simplified management and maintenance, and improvements to the County’s cyber security posture. When completed, the network refresh will considerably improve the County’s bandwidth capacity and overall network performance.
What this means for you!
• A faster network means enhanced productivity
• Improved system functions and a greater user experience
• Improved broadband support for innovative services and new product features and functionality
• Improved data security
When can I expect to see a change?
Upgrades will happen in phases. Over the next few months, installation efforts will be focused on the downtown campus area, followed by satellite locations which are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Why are you telling me now?
Great question! Simply stated, we want you to be aware that changes are coming. In the very near future, we will be visiting each site to determine the specific needs of your site’s location.
What do I do in the interim?
Stay tuned for more information and while you are waiting, consider the great things that an enhanced, faster network will be able to do for your work performance.
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Join Fulton County's Employee Facebook Group
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Don't forget to join the Fulton County Employee Facebook Group. This is a closed group managed by External Affairs specifically for Fulton County employees.
Employees who wish to join this group will be asked to provide their name, department, and work email. Each employee will be authenticated using the Outlook Directory before being given access to the group. Join your colleagues by clicking on the button below.
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Training Webinars Available
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The training division of the Human Resources Management Department is encouraging employees to take part in a number of webinars available until May 15.
One webinar is about learning how to create a road map to successfully own a home. Thursday May 14, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. The webinar is hosted by Kim Haynes, Realtor Solid Source Realty who is a partner with Fulton County's home owner training.
View the flyer
Other webinar topics include resume building, finances and staying connected in today's digital world. For information on accessing the webinars go to the
Employee Webinar
webpage in the "For Employees" section of the Fulton County website.
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The Fulton County Arts and Culture Department has put together instructions on how to create a beautiful art project for Mother's Day. The only supplies you need are colored tissue paper/magazines and tape.
Click here for instructions.
Happy Mother's Day and have fun creating!
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Cyber Security Awareness Training
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Cyber security awareness training for all users of Fulton County computer systems will be made available from May 11 through December 15, 2020. This training is provided through a partnership with Knowbe4.
With growing health concerns related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), cybercriminals are sending out scores of phishing emails with sensational subject lines aimed at getting victims to click before they think.
Fulton County Information Technology's goal is to equip Fulton County employees with the knowledge needed to keep cybercriminals at bay and help protect the county’s network and computer systems.
All employees will receive an email with a link to take the online course. If you've taken the course before, your login information will be the same. Instructions for new users will be provided in the email.
Need More Info? Have Questions? Contact
[email protected] or the helpdesk at: 404-612-7334.
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Human Resources Guidance on COVID-19
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Human Resources Management has gathered frequently asked questions (FAQs) for employees in regards to COVID-19.
Employees are encouraged to review these FAQs as it relates to:
- Absences
- Employee relations
- Expectations for essential employees
- Questions about previous travel.
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Update on Modifying Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Breeze Card Program
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As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, employees can start, stop or make contribution amount changes to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Dependent Care, Transit and/or Parking due to daycare/school closures or if they no longer need their transit/parking accounts as these are considered Qualifying Life Event Changes. Employees can also request to cancel their enrollment in the Breeze Card Program administered by transportation partners: Cobb Linc, GRTA Xpress (Blue/Green), Gwinnett Express or Marta.
Quick links:
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New qualified expenses for HSA, HRA or FSA
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A new federal law expands how you can use your health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement account (HRAs – Member Pay), or flexible spending account (FSA).
Over-the-counter drugs not requiring prescriptions and menstrual products qualify. This change was made as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which was signed into law March 27.
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More information can be found on the county website under
"For Employees" section.
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CARES ACT 401(a) and 457 (b) Emergency Withdrawals
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At its April 15, 2020 meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved the provisions of the federal government Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which allows employees to have emergency withdrawals of up to $50,000 each from their 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan accounts in response to COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Withdrawal requests from either of the plans will be administered directly by the respective plan vendors and will be subject the eligibility requirements listed below.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a test approved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- A spouse or dependent who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a test approved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- An individual suffering financial consequences as a result of quarantine, employment furlough, layoffs, reduced work hours or cannot work due to lack of child care as a result of coronavirus
- Individuals who experience a financial loss to an individually owned or operated business that is caused by a closing or reduction of hours due to coronavirus
- Other factors as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate
If you have questions or need to apply, call Mass Mutual at (800) 743-5274 for the 401(a) Plan and/or TIAA at (800) 842-2252 for the 457(b) Plan.
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Helpful COVID-19 Information and Resources
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Employee Assistance Program
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Whether or not you choose a medical plan, you and your eligible family members have access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
EAP provides free, confidential, short-term assistance and counseling designed to help resolve a variety of personal issues
. There are no costs, fees or copays.
EAP also can help you find child care. Just call 800-999-7222 or visit
anthemEAP.com
and enter Fulton.
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Employees who have insurance through Anthem (BCBS) can take advantage of telehealth/virtual doctor visits. Telehealth provides 24/7 doctor visits through live video from the comfort of your own computer or cell phone with internet connection. Just enroll online at
www.livehealthonline.com or on the free mobile app.
Also if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, Sydney Care can help. Check your potential risk quickly with the 24/7 Sydney Care mobile app.
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Kaiser Permanente Resources
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Employees who are insured by Kaiser Permanente need to be aware of some facility closings and other modifications. Some Kaiser facilities have temporarily closed or have only certain services available like well-visit pediatric appointments.
Employees can take advantage of telehealth/virtual doctor visits. Telehealth provide 24/7 doctor visits through live video from the comfort of your own computer or mobile device with internet connection. To get started register on
www.kp.org or on the free mobile app.
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate the news, anxiety levels are continuing to climb. It's only natural to feel anxious when we become fearful and uncertain about what the future holds. At times like this, it's important that we understand our emotions. Emotions drive most of your brain's processes, including feelings, cognition, and self-control.
While most people believe that rational thinking comes first, you actually process emotions first. Within a fifth of a second, emotions are constructed within your brain. Your brain then processes the emotion and determines whether the situation is threatening or rewarding. Because of the importance emotions play in your decision making abilities, it's imperative to understand your emotions and train them to help you produce the most desirable results.
Learn more about exercises to understand your emotions and earn Brain Points.
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