City and county government offices reopening Monday

Most Columbus city government buildings will open to the public again on Monday, but options will remain in place should you want to conduct your business with the city remotely.

City officials announced yesterday that buildings will reopen including City Hall and the Columbus Police Department, Donner Center, city utilities, the Department of Public Works, and aviation offices at Columbus Municipal Airport. Masks will still be required within the city buildings to protect the public and city employees.

Buildings that will remain closed to the public include Animal Care Services, fire stations, and The Commons.

If you want to contact city workers remotely, you are encouraged to call or to use email. City officials say their goal is to serve you using the methods that make you the most comfortable.

The city also plans to continue to conduct government meetings remotely through at least the end of May, streaming them on the city website and via WebEx. Should the governor rescind his order allowing for remote meetings, the city will go back to in-person meetings and the public will be notified.

Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop is urging you to continue to take the virus seriously and to follow the guidelines laid out by the CDC and State of Indiana. He said masks, social distancing, good hygiene and avoiding crowds and groups are key to protecting the community’s health and the economy.

The Republic newspaper is reporting that Bartholomew County government offices, will also be reopening to the public on Monday.