Today, Governor Whitmer extended her Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order through April 30, to protect Michigan residents and slow the spread of COVID-19. The City of Portage will continue to comply with the Executive Order by providing only core city services with very limited staffing. “We must continue to protect the health and safety of Portage residents and city employees,” said City Manager Joe La Margo. “We encourage all Portagers to Stay Home, Stay Safe.”
All city facilities, with the exception of the Police Division lobby, will remain 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. City Council, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of appeals meetings will continue to be held and can be viewed on cable access (Spectrum subscribers on channel 995, AT&T subscribers on channel 99) or via live stream at portagemi.viebit.com/.
Portage parks, open spaces and trails remain open for public use, with the exception of the South Westnedge Skate Park and Dog Park. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, facilities in Portage parks are closed, including restrooms, playgrounds, pavilions and picnic tables. Park patrons are urged to practice social distancing.
Public Safety (police and fire) emergency operations 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.
Current information relating to the COVID-19 crisis can be found at portagemi.gov or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/CityofPortageMI to stay up to date with what Portage is doing in response to the health crisis.