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The closure to Lanett City Hall will continue until April 20, according to a press release from the city.

McCoy announced Monday the extended closure. He had closed city hall on April 8 after three employees tested positive for COVID-19. The original plan was to reopen city hall on April 14 after extensive cleaning, but McCoy said a discussion with East Alabama Medical Center and state health officials resulted in the extended closure.

“We felt it was in the best interest to our employees and citizens to extend the closure of City Hall,” McCoy said. “We’ve been in constant communication with health officials since this outbreak began, and because we’ve had several city employees test positive, we’re taking this action to make sure that we’re fully protected. While we realize it poses an inconvenience, the health and safety of everyone in this city is my prime concern.”

McCoy said the employees that tested positive and anyone who came into contact with them has been placed on a 14-day quarantine.

McCoy said essential city services will stay in place, including fire, EMS and police.

Other departments, including the electric, gas, water, streets and cemetery will continue working on alternating shifts until Gov. Kay Ivey lifts the shelter-in-place order.

McCoy addressed roadside debris pick up when outlining the city’s work schedule.

“We realize that the roadside debris schedule change has caused some pile ups, but at this time, with work restrictions in place, we are only able to run one debris truck,” he said. “While it is an inconvenience, we ask that citizens have patience with us until we are able to get back on a regular schedule.”

As with the previously announced city hall closure, the utility payment adjustments will stay in place. Utility cutoffs for the March 20 billing cycle have been suspended, as well as cutoffs and late fees for the April 5 and April 20 billing cycles.  The city plans on resuming the normal billing structure on May 5, but it could be subject to adjustment pending the status of the ongoing health crisis. Citizens are encouraged to use the drop box at City Hall to make payments or to use the online billing system, which can be accessed by visiting www.cityoflanett.com/pay.

In addition to the ongoing health crisis, Lanett residents also had to deal with severe weather Sunday evening and early Monday morning. Fortunately, there was little damage and only a brief power outage. McCoy offered praise to electrical employees Kirk Lauderdale, Cody Hudmon, Dylan Harper and Carson Aldridge for their quick response in restoring power to the portion of the city that went down, along with Street Department employees, Shannon Spratlin, Jerry Lloyd and Mitchell Perry for removing downed trees.

“It’s a testament to their dedication to our community and our citizens for these employees to provide these services in this environment,” McCoy said. “On behalf of the council, we greatly appreciate your hard work and commitment.”