City of Arlington adjusts to essential workforce mandate during COVID-19

On March 23, Governor Inslee directed all residents immediately to heed current State public health directives to stay home, except as needed, to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure sectors.

The City is still operating essential services, but have limited staff available. Therefore, we would ask the public to be patient during this time and not contact the City with matters that can wait.

Mayor Tolbert said, “We realize how this is a difficult disruption to our citizens and businesses. Resources and relief is coming at us from many directions, we are doing our best to push out that information through our social media and channels and through the Chamber of Commerce.”

City Hall will be closed to the public beginning Thursday, March 26. The Finance and Administration Offices will be functioning with limited essential staff onsite while other staff members work from home. Customers can pay utility bills online at https://www.xpressbillpay.com/ or by phone at 360-403-3421, or at dropbox at City Hall.

The Community and Economic Development and Public Works Administration offices will be open for essential business with limited staffing. Customers are requested to call or email instead of coming to the offices.

The Airport is will be functioning with essential employees, as well.

During this time, our maintenance and public works employees will be working in staggered shifts and crew separation while performing essential duties and maintaining utilities critical to infrastructure. The cemetery office is closed to walk in customers.

Park restrooms and play equipment are closed as well as other amenities that provide multi-person activities- sports fields, picnic shelters, skate parks, and basketball courts are now closed. Gatherings in public parks also are prohibited.

City Administrator, Paul Ellis said, “The health of our community is a priority. The City will respect the Governor’s Directive to create social distance to preserve health and at the same time continue to provide essential services to the community.”

For general information, please call 360-403-3441 or visit our webpage for additional informationwww.arlingtonwa.gov/coronavirus .

Arlington City Council waives March and April utility bill late fee charges

At the March 16, 2020, City Council meeting, City Council approved waiving utility bill late fees and suspending water shutoffs on overdue bills for March and April 2020. Mayor Tolbert explained, “We recognize that families may be economically challenged during this difficult time.” Customers should call the Finance office to discuss payment arrangements, if needed. Customers can pay utility bills online at https://www.xpressbillpay.com/ or by phone at 360-403-3421, or at dropbox at City Hall.