(Posted March 17, 2020)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Village and city government offices in Madison County have announced changes in operations and closures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The following information is current as of 1 p.m. March 17. Because the situation is in constant flux, residents are encouraged to check in with their municipalities by phone, website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
London
As of March 16, all city of London government offices are closed to visitors until further notice.
“We’re just trying to keep the (person-to-person) contact to a minimum,” said Mayor Patrick Closser.
City staff are working as usual. The city asks that residents and anyone doing business with the city do so by phone or email.
City contact info can be found online at londonohio.gov. Or people can contact the city administration office to be directed to the appropriate department: (740) 852-3243 – phone; (740) 852-7028 – fax; or admin@londonohio.gov.
Bills and correspondence may be placed in the drop boxes at city hall, 20 S. Walnut St.:
• The Board of Public Utilities box is located on the south side of the building.
• The Parks and Recreation Department and Income Tax Department boxes are located at the front of the building.
Mount Sterling
As of March 16, the Mount Sterling village water clerk’s office remains open at town hall, 1 S. London St. However, Mayor Marci Darlington encourages residents to make utility bill payments by phone, email, online through their bank, mail, or through the dropbox located outside the town hall lobby.
Village office phone lines remain open. Callers are asked to leave thorough contact information if they call and get a recording:
• Marci Darlington, mayor–(740) 869-2040, ext. 109, mdarlington@mtsterling.org;
• Courtney Bricker, fiscal office–(740) 869-2040, ext. 108, cbricker@mtsterling.org;
• Misty Vance, utilities clerk–(740) 869-2040, ext. 111, mvance@mtsterling.org.
If Street Department employees need access to a person’s home for service and that person or anyone in their household has symptoms, they are to alert the street department employees of that fact.
“Please be safe as we work through this unfortunate situation together,” Darlington said.
The village’s website can be accessed at www.mtsterling.org.
Plain City
As of March 16, the village of Plain City closed village offices to the public but remains operational.
Residents are asked to communicate any questions, concerns or daily business by phone or e-mail. Main phone: 614-873-3527. E-mail: village@plain-city.com.
Anyone who usually pays their utility bill in person should instead put payments in the overnight deposit box in front of the Water Department office at 213 S. Chillicothe St. The village encourages residents to utilize the online utility payment system. Instructions are on the village website, www.plain-city.com.
Income tax payments, as well as permit applications, also may be deposited in the overnight deposit box in front of the Water Department office.
The Police Department has cancelled all activities and outreach programs until further notice.
The village will continue to closely monitor this situation and may adjust the timeline of these measures as needed.
“Being prepared to effectively continue operations and keep our community safe and in good health are the priorities at this time,” said Nathan Cahall, Plain City village administrator. “While we realize there might be some minor inconveniences, we hope that the community understands the importance of being cautious at this time and following the guidelines set by the State of Ohio and the Department of Health.”
West Jefferson
As of March 17, village of West Jefferson government offices remain open, however village leaders are offering options to help residents limit or eliminate visits to the village offices.
Instead of paying utility bills directly in the utility office, residents can:
• send payments by mail;
• place payment in the Water Department door slot or drop box located on the west side of town hall, 28 E. Main St.; or
• pay by credit or debit card by calling (614) 879-8655 (option 1). There are no fees associated with paying by credit/debt card, and the village does not keep credit/debit cards on file.
The village is following federal guidelines for income taxes. At this time, taxes are still due by April 15. Completed tax forms can be mailed or dropped off in the town hall door slot or drop box. For details, call the Tax Department at (614) 879-9757.
The West Jefferson Community Center is closed to public activities. The Police Department is working with Madison County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies to ensure public safety.
“We are a strong community, and we will get through this. We need to think of our neighbors and our community. If you have an elderly neighbor, please check in on them – make a phone call,” said Mayor Ray Martin in a message posted to the village’s website, westjeffersonohio.gov.
Martin welcomes questions, suggestions and advice. He can be reached at (614) 560-5754. Information also is being posted on Facebook; look for “Village of West Jefferson, OH.”
