Big Idea

• Some members of the City’s administrative staff have tested positive for COVID-19
• Since March, a total of 15 City employees have tested positive 
• More testing is being done right now
• All Council and Board meetings will be done exclusively via Zoom until further notice
• Read more...

How the City of Prescott is adapting to the closures

PRESCOTT, AZ (November 24, 2020) –The City of Prescott has announced that members of the administrative staff have tested positive for COVID-19.   The employees are all isolating at home and exhibiting minor symptoms.

The City is working on a revised service policy for City Hall, which will include closing City Hall until further notice, and closing City meetings to in-person attendance, by both board and commission members, and the public, essentially running all meetings via Zoom only.  More details will be announced about City operations in a future press release.

To date, a total of 15 City employees have tested positive since March.  On Friday, November 19, the City conducted COVID testing for employees and their families through Spectrum Healthcare.  Test results from this round of testing have not come back. Spectrum is telling the City that due to the surge, results may take 4-7 days.

City of Prescott to Close City Hall, Library Effective November 25, 2020

Until Further Notice

Prescott, Arizona (November 23, 2020)-- In the City’s ongoing efforts to curb the impacts of COVID-19 in our community,  by protecting our staff and the general public, effective Wednesday, November 25 at 8 a.m., City Hall and all City offices will be closed to the public.  Essential City services such as public safety, solid waste collection and other Public Works services will continue.   Appointments will be available for those in need of in-person services such as inspections. https://prescottpermits.com/etrakit/.  The Utility billing drive up window service will be open on Wednesday, November 25 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and will reopen again on Monday, November 30 following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Below is a comprehensive list of city services and how they will change. 

All changes will be in place until further notice, unless otherwise noted.

1. City Hall Closure effective November 25, 2020

Effective Wednesday, November 25 at 8 a.m. City Hall will be closed to the public.  Essential City services such as public safety, solid waste collection and water management will continue.   Appointments will be available for those in need of in-person services such as inspections. 

2. City Boards and Commissions Meetings Virtual for Month of December

Effective immediately, all Council and Board/Commission meetings will be closed to in-person attendance by members of the public and Council and Board Members. Meetings will continue to be live streamed through various channels as they have since mid-spring. Council Meetings will be aired on Channel 64, and Facebook Live.  In addition, citizens will be able to attend via Zoom by registering in advance with a link provided on the meeting agenda. The Zoom platform allows the public to join the meeting as Attendees and “raise their hand” when public comment is called during particular agenda items and discussion. Upon raising their hand, attendees will then be permitted to speak for the allotted three (3) minutes regarding the specific agenda item.

In addition to participation through Zoom, members of the public may submit comments related to items on the posted agenda through the city’s website at http://www.prescott-az.gov/…/leadersh…/speaker-request-form/ and those comments will be read at the dais by the City Clerk.

3. Utility Billing Available for Payment Online or by Phone

1. The Utility billing drive up window service will be open during regular City business hours- Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during holidays.

2. The City is encouraging online and phone bill payment.  If you have questions, or do not have access to the internet, we would be glad to assist you over the phone at 928-777-1291.   

1. Online service includes the ability to:
   1. Review your water usage
   2. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to put in service cancellations and to ask billing questions.
   3. Start service at a new address
   4. Sign up for automatic payment of your utility bill
   5. Or just pay your current bill

4. Community Development/Building Permits 

1. The Community Development Department is using a FULLY ELECTRONIC system for permitting, plan review, fire prevention services, and planning & zoning. All permit and project applications are now submitted via our online applicant portal: 

www.PrescottPermits.com 

This website is the City of Prescott’s new online tool for customers to apply for, monitor status, re-submit revised plans, and make payments for permits and projects. Customers are also encouraged to schedule building inspections via the portal. 

The applicant portal requires an established customer login. If you don’t have a login yet, please use the following link to apply for one. Your login information will be returned within 24-48 hours. (If you need immediate assistance with this process, or any other Community Development business, please dial 928.777.1371 to speak with a team member.) 

https://cityofprescottaz.wispform.com/1892c1c5 

The most up-to-date information for permitting, project, plan review, and inspection processes can be found at: 

http://www.prescott-az.gov/permits 

Most permits are issuable through our online portal, if in ready-to-issue status and upon receipt of full payment via the portal. 

In-person permit issuance continues to be by appointment only. Issuance will take place at our drive-up permit locations in the one-way alley on the east side of City Hall. Look for signage and barricades identifying appropriate parking locations. You must have an appointment prior to arriving at the drive-up issuance location. Please call 928.777.1371 to confirm your appointment. 

Please use any of the following emails (based on the type of request or issue) to connect with a Community Development team member regarding your project:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

You may also contact the Community Development Department at 928.777.1371 for further guidance or questions.

5. Prescott Public Library
   
   1. Prescott Public Library will close to the public on Tuesday, November 24 at 6 p.m. The library will provide curbside service for holds pickup beginning Wednesday, November 25 at 10 a.m. Normal Curbside Service hours will be: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-6 pm. Curbside Service will be closed Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 in observance of Thanksgiving. Curbside service will resume Saturday, November 28 at 10 am. 
   2. Curbside service:
      Once you have been notified that your hold is ready, make a reservation at http://prescottlibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar or call 928.777.1526 to pick up your hold. Reservations are available Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. For details about picking up holds, please visit www.prescottlibrary.info/modified-library-services or call 928.777.1526.
   3. Information assistance continues: Library staff will be available by phone (928.777.1500) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) during this time to answer account questions, help you select books and place holds, assist you with online resources, and to answer general reference questions. 
   4. Online services 24/7:
      The library’s collection of online resources is available 24/7 at www.prescottlibrary.info . Library staff deeply appreciates your patience during this time.
   5. Additional information:

1. When picking up holds, please wear a mask and stay in your car. If you are picking up on foot or on a bike, please wait on a bench outside the library entrance.
2. Items on hold for you have been quarantined for 72 hours.
3. Book drops around town are open, including a book drop in the Marina Street parking lot.
4. Regular loan periods remain in effect and due dates for items will appear on your checkout receipt or in your online account. 
5. Once you are notified about a hold being available, you will have 10 days to pick it up. 
6. The library will not be accepting donations of books, DVDs, etc. to the Friends of the Library Book Sale at this time.

6. Police
   1. All critical police operations are continuing as usual. The Police lobby is closed; phone and online reporting is offered as an alternative for reporting crimes.  A separate detailed press release was sent out regarding this.  
7. Fire

1. All critical Fire Department operations are continuing.  All fire stations are closed to the public. Increased sanitization of trucks and surfaces inside stations has commenced and will continue.
2. The Prescott Regional Communications Center has initiated actions on all E-911 calls to provide for added questioning of caller as it relates to the current COVID-19 pandemic as suggested by the CDC.
3. More in-depth triaging of emergency medical service call types is taking place which is using an on-duty paramedic to provide more intense screening for those calls with symptoms that are common with COVID-19 virus. This was initiated to provide for a right sized response or in some cases ensure the wellness of our first responders. 

8. Public Works

All critical Public Works Divisions are operating as scheduled.  The Public Works Offices are closed to visitors, please call 928-777-1130 for questions and information. Outdoor socially distanced meetings will continue in the outdoor conference space.  

1. Trash collection will continue as normal with the exception of the upcoming Holiday’s.  The Transfer Station is open normal business hours of 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday through Saturday (Holiday’s excluded).  Please see the City website for the schedule. http://www.prescott-az.gov/services-safety/trash-pickup-recycling/residential-service/holiday-schedule/   
2. All City construction projects are continuing as scheduled.

9. Recreation Services/Facilities

1. Playgrounds and public restrooms are open.  The City is not accepting reservations for park ramadas and campgrounds.  The general public is encouraged to practice social distancing and good hygiene. General public is discouraged from gatherings of 10 or more people according to CDC guidelines. Parking fees remain in place- $3 per vehicle, with Free Wednesdays.