By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Barton County Commissioners approved several county operational changes Friday that closed several offices to the public in hopes to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Great Bend Mayor Cody Schmidt and City Administrator Kendall Francis noted at a special meeting Friday morning that they thought it was best for the City of Great Bend to follow the county’s lead in taking precautions.
With a 5-3 vote, the Great Bend City Council shut down access to the public to all their city buildings and city parks.
Schmidt felt it was in the best interest to protect citizens and city staff to close access until further notice.
"Who knows how long it may take for a case to test positive and at that time is it too late?" questioned Schmidt. "We are not shutting down services. This is a safety matter, no panic. We are slowing down foot traffic to potentially prevent this virus from growing."
As the nice weather is starting to pop up more in the forecast, there was a fear of leaving the parks open. Schmidt, who works for USD 428 as the Grounds Director, mentioned the coronavirus can stay on playground equipment for up to two weeks. The decision was made to place temporary fence around the city parks with warning signs to remind the public to stay out.
As for bill payments, Francis says there will still be ways for residents to make their utility payments.
"We will continue to handle business through the Front Door drive-thru," said Francis. "There are drop boxes for payment located at the Front Door, City Hall, and Dillons on 10th Street. There is online bill payment and auto bank drafts."
City operations will proceed as normal for employees and residents with questions can call 620-793-4111, email [email protected] or visit the website greatbendks.net.
Building permits would be handled online.
Future city council meetings are expected to be handled in person, but there was a suggestion to conduct the meetings at the Great Bend Events Center to provide more spacing for the council to practice social distancing.
Schmidt noted the shutdown and ban to city buildings and parks will reevaluated at each City Council meeting that meets on the first and third Monday each month.