As a result of Governor Whitmer’s Emergency Declaration and working with Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services (HCS), the City of Portage decided to provide core city services with limited staffing for the period of Monday, March 16 through Sunday, April 5, 2020, to mitigate the risks of the COVID-19 outbreak. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking the majority of city employees to stay home,” said City Manager, Joe La Margo. “We intend is to do everything within our power to protect the health and welfare of the public and our employees,” he said.
City offices will continue to operate, but with reduced staffing levels. Only identified employees will report to work to ensure that essential city services be provided during this period. Public Safety (police and fire) operations will continue without interruption. “The safety of the public is paramount during this public health crisis,” said Mayor Patricia Randall. “Our dedicated police and fire personnel will continue to safeguard the City of Portage, she said.” However, the Portage Senior Center is closed and Portage Parks & Recreation events and programs are canceled, through April 5. Park locations will remain open; however, all rental reservations are canceled.
The public is encouraged to conduct business via phone, e-mail, U.S. Mail, the 24-hour drop box or online at portagemi.gov, when possible to limit the need to visit city offices. Older adults and those with underlying health conditions should avoid visiting city offices.
“These plans and dates may need to be adjusted as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve,” said City Manager La Margo. Please watch the city website (portagemi.gov) and Facebook (facebook.com/CityofPortageMI) for updates to this information. Questions regarding city operations may be directed to the Office of City Manager at (269) 329-4400. Healthcare related questions should be directed to Kalamazoo County HCS call center at (269) 373-5267.
