With Stay-at-Home orders in place local government offices have announced closures at government buildings or changes to their usual operations. Below are releases from individual local governments about their changes
South Bend:
In accordance with St. Joseph County’s decision to close the County-City Building to most walk-in traffic and Governor Eric Holcomb’s executive order restricting nonessential business, most City of South Bend offices are now closed to walk-in traffic.
The City will continue to conduct business remotely with residents by phone, email, and online services.
The South Bend utility office at 125 W. Colfax Avenue is closed to the public, but still accepting payment at the drive-thru and drop box.
The Building Department at 125 S. Lafayette St. is also not open for walk-ins but is accepting drop-off services for needs requiring immediate processing. Residents are asked to call 574-235-9554 ext. 2 with questions.
The South Bend Police Department lobby will remain open to the public, but with shortened hours. The front desk and records divisions will be open to walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Staff will also be available to take reports over the phone from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays.
Residents can still access City services remotely by calling 311 or visiting http://southbendin.gov/covid19cityservices.
Mishawaka:
Per Governor Holcomb’s “stay at home” order, all City of Mishawaka government buildings will be closed to the public from March 24th at 11:59pm ET through April 6th at 11:59pm ET. This includes the Battell Community Center, City park playgrounds, Eberhart-Petro Municipal Golf Course and all public restrooms as well. Mishawaka parks and the Mishawaka Riverwalk will remain open and our citizens should feel free to use them so long as they follow Center for Disease Control guidelines while using them.
As a reminder, Mishawaka utilities has already temporarily suspended all utility disconnections and the City will not penalize any individual or business for the late payment of city ordinance violations. City of Mishawaka Departments will continue to be open by appointment only. Please refer to the City of Mishawaka website for a complete list of contact information, numbers, latest updates, and news: www.mishawaka.in.gov
It is very important to note that all critical city services and utilities that our citizens depend on will continue to function uninterrupted. These include, but are not limited to, police, fire, emergency medical services, water, electric, wastewater, sewer and street/facilities maintenance. Currently, trash and recycling will continue on a normal schedule. Every attempt will be made by our professional staff to respond to the needs of our citizens, no matter the City Department.
These next two weeks are critical to control the spread of the COVID-19 Virus. I urge all of our citizens to comply with Governor Holcomb’s declaration to stay at home unless travel is essential. If we all make the sacrifices called on by the Governor, the CDC and our President, I am confident that Mishawaka will come through these difficult times willing and able to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.
Elkhart: (announced 3/20)
In response to the current public health emergency, Mayor Rod Roberson has signed an executive order that will restrict the public’s access City of Elkhart buildings. Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, due to the public health emergency, public access to the following public buildings will be prohibited:
- Streets Department
- Buildings & Grounds
- Human Resources; other than dropping off an application
- Airport Office
- Cemetery
- Public Utilities
- *Drive-thru bill payments 8:30-4:30*
- National New York Central Railroad Museum
- Lerner Theatre
- Elkhart Environmental Center
- Fire Station office
- 911 Communications Center
- Parks Department; all pavilions closed, restricting use of playground equipment
The following offices will be open, but for restricted hours 8:00am – 12:00pm:
- Public Works for permitting only
- City Hall with the exception of evening court and council meetings
This will ONLY restrict access to the public. Employees will continue to work their normal hours.
Additionally:
*Probation Department: Probation matters will be handled over the phone 574. 522.5745 and NO face-to-face meetings will take place at this time. Also, Theft Accountability Program (TAP) Classes scheduled for March 25 and April 29 will be rescheduled.*
Meetings will be limited to those that need to be held to conduct city business will be held in compliance with Governor Holcomb’s executive order and will be livestreamed to maintain public access.
Benton Harbor:
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the City of Benton Harbor will be taking the necessary preventive measures ordered by the Governor Whitmer in Executive Order 2020-21. The goal is to keep everyone safe and reduce exposure risks.
EFFECTIVE TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020, ALL CITY OF BENTON HARBOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS WILL BE CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THIS WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL APRIL 13, 2020.
ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS DEPARTMENTS
The Public Safety Department and the Water Plant will operate normally with no interruption to services. However, the lobbies will be closed. Request for police reports can be made by email or by phone.
The Water Payment Center will still be available to process payments and service requests. Water bill payments can be done online at www.bhcity.org, or via the payment drop box in the front of City Hall. The drop box is secure and confidential. Payments should be placed in an envelope with your contact information. RFPs should be in an envelope addressed to the Clerk’s Office.
Water shutoffs have been discontinued during this period. Water service turn-ons for occupied structures may be schedule through the Payment Center. There will be not additional costs for turn-ons.
All other departments will be servicing emergency calls only.
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