Staff writer
Both Hillsboro and Marion city offices are closed to walk-in traffic in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hillsboro announced the closure of city hall last week, and Marion announced it Monday.
“Based on the changing conditions and the need for a strong statement from local government to encourage our friends and neighbors to take actions to protect their families from the spread of the virus, mayor David Mayfield and I believe we should close city buildings to public access and cancel advisory board meetings for the next few weeks,” Marion city administrator Roger Holter said. “We believe this might help people take ‘shelter in place’ with a little more seriousness.”
Holter said the city will continue to keep electricity, water, and public works services operating.
The council will also plan alternative methods for holding city council meetings that comply with state law, Holter said.
Marion office staff will be available by phone for questions, concerns, and needs. The city hall phone number is (620) 382-3703.
The utility emergency reporting lines, staffed at all times, are (620) 382-6670 for electrical (620) 382-6671 for water and sewer.
Utility payments and extension requests can be deposited in either of the payment drop boxes near city hall.
Marion municipal court cases have been extended until May 27.
Hillsboro city administrator Larry Paine said city hall is closed to walk-in traffic as a precaution for employees who serve the community.
“We can’t do this if we are sick,” Paine said. “There are a lot of people depending on the work we do. Our action is taken with the view that flattening the curve is a real and valid objective. The more we are able to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, the sooner we will be able to get back to living as we have in the past.”
Hillsboro utility payments can be dropped off in the drop box by the city hall’s front door.
“The public can call our office and we can process payment by credit card,” Paine said. “If people have to talk with us, we are encouraging them to call the office first to see if we can resolve issues that way.”
The phone number for Hillsboro city hall is (620) 947-3162.