Signs of the times
Leader photo by T. SCOTT BOATRIGHT
These signs on the doors at Grambling City Hall explain why the doors to the building have been locked.
GRAMBLING — Grambling City Hall has made a proactive move in response to ongoing nationwide coronavirus outbreak, deciding to err on the side of precaution.
Doors at Grambling City Hall have been locked, although the drive-through window for water payments and other needs remains open during normal weekday office hours of 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
A sign on the door of the Grambling City Hall/Community Center says that effective as of last Monday, the “lobby of Grambling City Hall will be closed until further notice. Only the drive-thru will be open for payments.”
Another sign on the door says “all activities held in the Chamber Room have been suspended” and that the public’s “patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.”
Grambling Mayor Ed Jones said the move is simply an attempt to keep everyone as safe as possible.
“We don’t have any cases we know of now, but we also know this is a serious matter for our entire country right now,” Jones said.
“These are changes made in the best interest of everyone.”
Jones said other changes due to coronavirus concerns are likely coming for Grambling City Hall.
“I think we’re probably going to change our hours — meaning drive-through window hours — to 10 (a.m.) to 3 (p.m.) starting (next) Monday,” Jones said. “We have to look out for our employees, and for our citizens, too. Experts say social distancing is the best way to try and prevent exposure to this illness, so that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Jones said he doesn’t want to cause further concerned but added that “we can’t take this (coronavirus) for granted.”
“I want our citizens to take this situation seriously and heed the CDC’s (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) hygiene warnings,” Jones said. “Our fire and police are on 24-hour call and our citizens can call the city offices if they have questions. But I encourage everyone to stay at home as much as possible right now.”
Ruston City Hall is operating as usual, although city residents are being urged to pay their utility bills by mail, online or through the Utility Office’s drive-through window or at the overnight drop box to limit amounts of contact between citizens and city workers.
