The City of Cortez is closing City Hall until Jan. 25 to ensure that staff and community members are protected against the spread of the coronavirus.

City Hall previously planned to reopen for regular business on Jan. 18.

According to a statement from the city, the goal of the closure is to reduce close contact between people to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 amid rising infection rates.

All essential functions will continue to operate including administration, public safety, water, airport, trash and City Hall.

To accommodate the paying of utility bills, the front desk at City Hall will be open the week of the 18th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Friday. Utility payments can be made online at www.cityofcortez.com/132/Utility-Payments or place in the drop box located on the west side of the building.

There will be no drop-in meetings with staff members. In-person meetings will take place by appointment only. To make an appointment, call City Clerk at 564-4008, Code Enforcement at 564-4034, Courts at 564-7952, Finance at 564-3402, Fire Inspection at 564-4009, Grants/Special Projects at 564-4094, Planning and Building at 564-4046 or Water Billing at 564-4012.

anicotera@the-journal.com