Part-time in-person services at the Thurston County Clerk’s Office will resume on Sept. 21, the county announced this week.
Starting Sept. 21, the public service counters at Family and Juvenile Court and the Thurston County Courthouse Main Campus will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The public service counters at the Thurston County Clerk’s Office closed down on Jan. 20 after the county implemented large-scale budget cuts to address a $28.3 million structural deficit.
The clerk’s office specifically saw a $777,478 budget reduction in Thurston County’s 2026-27 budget.
That, combined with budget cuts from previous years, made it impossible for the clerk’s office to maintain in-person services, according to Thurston County Clerk Linda Myhre Enlow.
When the public counters shut down, all formerly in-person services, including protection order applications, document filing, court document copy requests, public record access and appointment scheduling, shifted to online-only.
The end of in-person services at the clerk’s office drew widespread criticism from the public, particularly from advocates for domestic violence survivors who relied heavily on in-person support from clerk staff to navigate complex paperwork and court processes.
In an effort to restore those services, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners adjusted the budget in May to fund frontline public counter services on a part-time basis.
“The Clerk’s Office appreciates the public’s patience, understanding, and cooperation during this challenging period,” the county said in a news release. “The office remains committed to providing high-quality, accessible services to the residents of Thurston County and looks forward to welcoming the public back for in person services.”
While walk-in services are reopening, the Clerk’s Office will continue to offer online services and encourages the public to utilize that option whenever possible.
The kiosk check-in system will also remain available at both office locations.
