The City of Hood River has extended its local state of emergency until April 30 as a preemptive measure to continue to respond to the COVID-19 emergency.
“The purpose of the emergency declaration is to provide flexibility as the City continues to respond to this emergency,” said City Manager Rachael Fuller. “And for the City to apply for and receive federal and state funding that may be available.”
Operational changes put in place during the last few weeks continue at this time and will be revisited in collaboration with the City Council, state and local public health officials, and in response to order’s by Governor Kate Brown.
- All City offices will remain closed to the public. The City continues all operations and staff can be reached by phone, email or the website live chat function. The City’s main phone number is 541-386-1488, while department direct lines can be found on the website. In-person Municipal Court appearances are delayed until at least May 19th.
- Public Works, Police, and Fire/EMS are keeping normal hours and availability while taking necessary precautions in interfacing with staff and the public.
- Utility payments, parking tickets and municipal court fines can be made online HERE. Those unable to make payments due to the virus or office closures can defer through the end of the state of emergency, plus 60 days, with no penalty, interest or charges. All utilities and other services will continue regardless of a customer’s ability to make payment.
- Other operational changes include city parks closures and prohibition on transient lodging for recreational or leisure purposes. Most meetings have been suspended, while City Council meets remotely.
Notification of the end of the local State of Emergency will be made on the City’s website, its Facebook page, and by email to subscribers.
The City encourages all residents to visit GETREADYGORGE.COM for up-to-date information and local impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City continues to follow recommendations of Hood River County and the Oregon Health Authority with regards to COVID-19.