City Announces Proactive Measures to Reduce Spread of COVID-19 3/16/2020
UPDATE 3/18/2020 - The recommended gathering number has been reduced from 50 to 10. The city encourages all citizens to adhere to these recommendations to limit the spread of the virus.
City announces proactive measures to reduce spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Effective 3/16/2020
The City of Mineola is temporarily suspending special event permitting for events with 50 or more people as suggested by the CDC. We are also urging private event sponsors to consider postponing large events by following the CDC guideline.
MINEOLA, TX – March 16, 2020 – The City of Mineola is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), including limiting in-person interactions for city business and suspending permitting for large special events.
The City of Mineola will continue to provide all city services and continue to hold our regular City Council meetings, however we will postpone board advisory and city committee meetings until April 1, 2020. We are also actively encouraging city business to be handled online or via phone where possible. Unless it is necessary to personally meet with the City Manager, Supervisors or Staff, we request that you call our office at 903-569-6183 and make a walk-in appointment.
While no person in Wood County has tested positive for the Coronavirus, these measures are being taken out of an abundance of caution in an effort to protect the public health, particularly our most vulnerable populations, and to slow the possible progression of this virus, which in turn will ease the burden on medical care providers. Preserving the health and safety of our staff allows essential city services to continue with minimum interruptions. The situation remains fluid, but staff will be kept up to date should the City need to take further action to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
The City is implementing this plan to ensure that we have minimal disruption with our Fire, Police & Public Works. While the CDC discourages large public gatherings, we do encourage your continued support of our local businesses.
Remember to follow these preventative measures in your daily life:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Stay at home if you’re sick
- Avoid close personal contact (6 ft. from each other), such as shaking hands
- Disinfect surfaces
SPECIAL EVENTS
Effective immediately and until April 1, 2020, the city will not issue special event permits to any events with 50 or more participants. This suspension will be revisited after April 1, 2020.
We strongly encourage private event organizers in Mineola to consider postponing large events by following the CDC guideline.
PAYING YOUR WATER BILL
The City of Mineola encourages water customers to pay online at mineola.com and click the online payment icon, or call us and pay with your credit card at (903) 569-6183. Water bills may also be mailed to Mineola City Hall, P.O. Box 179, Mineola Texas 75773. In addition, payments may made at our drive-through window, or be dropped off at City Hall in our overnight deposit.
PERMITTING
We encourage residents and contractors to apply for building permits by calling City Hall, at (903) 569-6183 and to make an appointment with the building inspector. Payments can be done by credit card over the phone by calling (903) 569-6183.
CITY HISTORICAL MUSEUM & CITY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Mineola Historical Museum will be closed until further notice.
Mineola Depot will continue to be open as long as Amtrak Texas Eagle passenger train is in operation. Mineola Nature Preserve will continue to be open to the public until further notice.
MUNICIPAL COURT
Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Mineola’s Municipal Court will be suspended until April 1, 2020. Tickets may be paid online at mineola.com and click the online payment icon.
ALL OTHER CITY SERVICES
We encourage any city business that can be handled online or by the phone to be done in that manner. If you believe your request cannot be handled over the phone, please contact the appropriate department at (903) 569-6183 for a walk-in appointment.
MORE INFORMATION
To follow developments at the city, stay informed by going to our website at mineola.com or at our Facebook page at Mineola, Texas. For health developments, follow NetHealth at www.healthyeasttx.org (link is external) (903) 763-4151, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
