Ritzville City Hall closed to public

RITZVILLE — Due to the coronavirus, Mayor Gary Cook declared an emergency earlier today, March 13, leading to the closure of public access to City Hall.

The March 17 City Council meeting has also been canceled.

In his proclamation, the mayor said city staff will continue to work by telephone and email.

"The city will continue to operate business via phone," the proclamation said. "Utility payments can be mailed, placed in the drive up drop box located adjacent to City Hall or city staff can take your credit card payment over the phone."

Public works crews and police will continue providing regular services.

The Adams County Health Department advised the mayor to shutter City Hall to the public until further notice.

The emergency proclamation also facilitates potential future assistance related to the COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as access to regional and state resources.

"Whereas, the City of Ritzville believes that the increased number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 constitute a local emergency and may necessitate the utilization of emergency powers granted under RCW 38.52.070," the Emergency Proclamation 2020-01 declared.

This declaration means necessary resources will be made available.

In the meantime, the mayor is urging residents to continue to shop locally.

"This support is critical to maintaining our local economy," he said.