Emergency has effected Ritzville

We don’t need to be reminded these are strange times.

Anxiety has increased exponentially with the lifestyle changes we are all experiencing.

The city of Ritzville has made some difficult choices concerning our service to you, the residents. We declared a city-wide emergency March 13. We closed City Hall to the public March 16 and asked staff to stay home.

Our Public Works crew and police officers will continue to provide services with no disruptions during this time.

We held an emergency City Council meeting March 20 by phone. Council meetings will continue by teleconference until further notice.

We’ve closed parks and the golf course per the governor’s proclamation and encourage social distancing by everyone who leaves their home.

The city water tank rehabilitation project is underway. Since it is critical infrastructure for the city, it will continue. The deadline for completion will be mid-May.

In the meantime, we have suspended turning on all irrigation accounts, including those for city parks, the cemetery and the golf course. We ask that you conserve water and not water your lawns, wash cars, etc. during this period.

We understand this is one more inconvenience that disrupts your usual routine.

Contractors are working long hours and weekends to get the water tank cleaned. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

We are a resilient community and will get through these times together.

Please contact City Hall with questions or concerns.

— Gary Cook is the mayor of Ritzville. Email him at [email protected].