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Mar 18

COVID-19 Update: 3/17/20

Posted on March 18, 2020 at 8:43 AM by Ray Munch

As the uncertainty surrounding the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus mounts, the City would like to assure residents that precautions are being taken to ensure that public services continue to be delivered. Staff continues to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and is receiving the latest updates from local, state, and federal authorities. At this time, the City’s offices will remain open to the public. However, we are strongly encouraging the public to follow guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Illinois Department of Public Health on social distancing. While our doors remain open, there are numerous ways to conduct business with the City that limit the need for personal interaction at City offices. We would like to highlight some of those processes below and provide additional information that may be helpful as the community deals with this unprecedented situation. Limiting the amount of foot traffic in and out of public buildings will help ensure the health and welfare of our employees and our visitors. 

 

  • Utility Billing: Customers are encouraged to pay their utility bill through one of several methods that do not require personal interaction. Utility bills can be paid through our online portal or by calling 855-573-6009. Additional fees do apply to these transactions. You can avoid additional fees by mailing a check/money order or dropping payments in the City Hall drop box. Customers can also sign up for our free Automatic Bank Withdrawal program. Considering the potential public health implications, the City will temporarily suspend disconnection of water service for past due accounts. We encourage customers to continue making on time payments as late fees will still be applied. Please call 815-748-2085 for utility billing information. 

 

  • Building Permits & Plan Review: The Community Development Department will continue to process requests for plan review and building permits. The City offers an online Plan Review Submission form for commercial purposes. Many of our Building Permit Applications are also available on our website. If you have questions regarding the submission of these forms, please call 815-748-2070. 

 

  • Public Transit System: Effective March 18, the City of DeKalb Public Transit System will temporarily offer free rides through March 31 for passengers on all fixed route (Huskie Line) and paratransit (TransVac) services. Please note that the transit system is currently operating on its Special Break Service schedule to accommodate Northern Illinois University’s recent decision to suspend face-to-face instruction. TransVAC and Huskie Line staff continue to employ sanitation efforts throughout their vehicles. For more information, please contact TransVAC at 815-758-3932 or Huskie Line at 815-758-6900. 

 

  • Administrative Hearings: The Administrative Hearings scheduled for March 23 and April 6 have been canceled. Cases scheduled for those dates are continued until April 20 at 1:30 p.m. Please note these hearings will occur at the DeKalb Police Department, 700 W. Lincoln Highway. Payments for ordinance violations and parking tickets can be made via the online portal. Additional fees do apply to online transactions. If you are having difficulties making a payment or have questions about your case, please call 815-748-2093 for assistance. 

 

  • Public Meetings: City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings will continue as scheduled. Governor Pritzker’s office has issued an Executive Order allowing for teleconference participation by elected officials when necessary. Public meetings remain open to the public; however, the City encourages community members to watch meetings on GATV Channel 14 or stream them live on the City’s website or YouTube. To encourage continued public participation, the City has created an Online Public Comment Submission form. Out of an abundance of caution, non-essential Board, Committee, and Commission meetings, as well as previously scheduled ward meetings, have been cancelled through April 10. 

 

  • Emergency Services: The City’s fire and police departments remain fully operational and are prepared to respond. If you require emergency assistance, please call 911. Our Telecommunicators have been instructed to screen calls for potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus. If someone at your location is experiencing flu-like symptoms, please notify the 911 call takers so that our first responders take appropriate precautions. 

 

If you have additional questions, please call one of our departments listed below for assistance. In an emergency, please call 911. 

 

City Managers Office: 815-748-2090 

Community Development Department: 815-748-2070 

Finance Department: 815-748-2000 

Fire Department (Non-Emergency): 815-748-8460 

Police Department (Non-Emergency): 815-748-8400 

Public Works Department: 815-748-2040 

 

Please follow the City on social media or visit the City’s website for the most up to date information related to City services. Continue following the guidance of state and federal health officials and to seek information from reputable sources.