Mask mandate up for review
Staff writer
Marion city councilmen will consider Monday whether to extend a mask resolution set to expire Dec. 31.
The order was enacted in July and extended in August through the end of the year.
County commissioners Nov. 20 reluctantly approved a governor’s order requiring masks to be worn.
Whether the governor’s order will be part of the discussion at Monday’s city council meeting was not known a press time.
Marion’s order said masks must be worn when in line and waiting to enter indoor public spaces; when getting health care services; waiting for or riding public transportation or ride-sharing vehicles; and when unable to maintain a six foot distance outdoors.
It required businesses, organizations and non-profit associations to require employees, customers, visitors, members, and members of the public to wear masks whenever employees were working in a space visited by members of the public; and wherever food is being prepared.
The order made exceptions for homes, private offices, the hearing impaired, and children younger than 5.
Mayor Dave Mayfield opposed the order extending the mask requirement, saying he could not support that long of an extension.
Hillsboro’s mask ordinance, complete with fines for non-compliance, sets fines of $25, $50, or $100, and is in effect through Jan. 26.
Under its terms, the owner of a business where employees don’t wear masks can be fined, too.
Mayor Lou Thurston said when the ordinance was passed that the city needed its own ordinance because the governor’s order had no enforcement clause.
That made the county’s resolution “no better than what we had before,” Thurston said.
Hillsboro had earlier passed a resolution encouraging people to wear masks.
Goessel also passed a mask ordinance that is set to expire Jan. 31.