Coronavirus: Tri-Cities suspending water shutoffs, closing some playgrounds

Three Tri-City governments are suspending late fees on utility bills as thousands of Benton and Franklin workers face unemployment following the coronavirus stay home restrictions.

“We will not shut off water,” said West Richland Mayor Brent Gerry. “That’s one of the things the four city managers work through is to make sure we’re consistent across the board.”

Pasco and Richland joined West Richland in stopping late fees.

While Kennewick continues to assess a $10 late fee, it has suspended water shutoffs.

“We are working with customers and being flexible with credit extensions during this difficult time,” said Evelyn Lusignan, the city spokeswoman.

As non-essential businesses shut down and government buildings closed to the public, Gerry was joined by fellow mayors to urge people to stay calm, be compassionate and to assure that essential city services will still be available.

At the top of the essential services list are police, fire, water and sewer services.

Gerry also urged people to support local businesses that are struggling after being closed in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 respiratory disease.

“Our businesses are suffering,” he said. “The economic hardship is large. I come from small business, and all of my friends that are still in that business are suffering. ... Some of these businesses won’t reopen. So let’s please take advantage to what we have offered to us today.”

The mayors were sharing a joint message of hope, said Kennewick Mayor Don Britain.

He asked people who have extra items to keep an eye out for people in need.

“It’s important in this difficult and stressful time that we’re faced with to work together as a community,” he said.

Richland Mayor Ryan Lukson also asked people to donate blood. The American Red Cross reports blood supplies are very low.

What is closed

Caution tape is set up around some Tri-Cities playgrounds as the cities work to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Pasco has closed all playgrounds and Kennewick and Richland have posted signs asking people to follow social distancing guidelines.

“The parks themselves are open,” said Jon Funfar, Pasco’s communication program manager. “We’re asking people to not congregate in groups of more than 10 people.”

The move came after Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order last Monday, and will remain in effect for the duration until at least April 7.

City officials asked this week for people not to go beyond warning tape if equipment has been marked off.

They are allowing the parks to remain open so people can continue to exercise.

As city facilities have closed, so have recreational programs.

Richland has shut down it’s community center and Kennewick closed the Numerica Pavilion, and the Keewaydin Community Center along with other public buildings.

The police departments have also stopped finger printing services, as well.

And Richland normally offers a collection program that allows people to place extra garbage bags on the curb where they’re picked up by garbage service crews.

The city has suspended that service, and is now asking people to load their cans again and request a second pickup for $3.

Residents can call 509-942-7700 or visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/solidwaste to schedule another pickup.

How to access city services

While city halls, police stations and fire stations are closed to the public, many city services continue to function.

People can still pay their utility bills, and get building construction plans reviewed.

While some of the office employees are working from home, many are continuing to work in city halls. The cities have stepped up disinfecting and are making sure people are separated by 6 feet.

“We have some of our employees telecommuting,” said Evelyn Lusignan, Kennewick’s spokeswoman. “We’re doing our permit applications. We’re still working on our streets. We’re open for business. We just aren’t doing in-person transactions.”

The measures can include moving around shifts or switching desks.. The changes have not changed the ability of the cities to serve the public, they say.

For paying utility bills:

• In Kennewick, people can call 509-585-4266, use the drop box at the side of city hall or use the online bill payment system on the city’s website
• In Pasco, city officials are asking people to use the drop box at city hall at 525 N. 3rd Ave., or at the HAPO Center. People can call for information 509-545-3488.
• In Richland, people can drop off their utility payment in the drop box on the southwest side of the building. Payments and requests for for service can be made on-line at www.ci.richland.wa.us/myultilities or by emailing customerservice@ci.richland.wa.us.
• In West Richland, people can pay at the Municipal Services Facility drop box at 3100 Belmont Blvd, calling 800-918-0468 or online.

For submitting permit applications:

• In Kennewick, people can call the community planning department at 509-585-4280.
• In Pasco, people can call 509-543-5726
• In Richland, most applications can be made electronically, and building inspections can be requested online. People call 509-942-7794 or email permittech@ci.richland.wa.us.
• In West Richland, people can submit requests online. Building inspections are continuing. People can call 509-967-5902 for general questions, and call 509-967-7144 or email permits@westrichland.org.

This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 12:58 PM.