The City of Portage continues to follow recommendations from the State of Michigan and Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services (HCS) to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to protect the overall public health of residents. To mitigate the risks of the COVID-19 outbreak, Portage continues to provide only core city services with very limited staffing. Beginning Monday, March 23, some city offices will function with all staff working from home. “The additional draw-down of staffing levels is necessary to protect the health and safety of city employees,” said City Manager Joe La Margo. “We will continue to provide core city services to the best of our ability during this health crisis.”
On Monday, March 16, all city facilities, with the exception of the Police Division lobby, were closed to the public until further notice. The public is encouraged to conduct business via phone, e-mail, U.S. Mail, the 24-hour drop box at City Hall or online at portagemi.gov. The Board of Review meeting to finalize the assessment roll and City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 24 will be held. The public is encouraged to participate in the City Council meetings via cable access (Spectrum subscribers on channel 995, AT&T subscribers on channel 99) or via live Stream at portagemi.viebit.com/.
Beginning Monday, March 23, The Police Division lobby will be closed to all but emergency requests. Public Safety (police and fire) emergency operations will continue without interruption. Minor crime reports (minor thefts, damage reports, etc.) should be initiated by calling (269) 448-8911. Reports requiring an officer response will be conducted with minimal face to face contact with reporting parties. “During these uncertain times, our police officers and firefighters will continue to respond to emergencies as we always have,” said Public Safety Director, Nicholas Armold. “We request patience from the public with non-emergency response times.”
The Portage Senior Center is closed and Portage Parks & Recreation events and programs are canceled, through April 5. Park locations will remain open; however, visitors should refrain from use of playground equipment and remain in open spaces and on trails. All rental reservations are canceled.
The availability of city services may change further as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve. Please watch the city website (portagemi.gov) for updates to this information. Like and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/CityofPortageMI). 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.
