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Columbus joins others in limiting services

COLUMBUS—The Town of Columbus is joining other local governments and closing some operations, including town hall for the next week. 

Columbus Town Council met Thursday and decided to close town hall to the public effective Friday through next Friday. Officials said the town will reevaluate whether further closing is needed next Friday. 

The Town of Tryon took similar measures this week. 

“Due to the conditions caused by COVID-19 the Town of Columbus is taking precautionary measures as recommended by the CDC as well as other state and federal government entities,” the town said in a release Friday. 

The town is encouraging residents to pay utility bills online at columbusnc.com or by phone by calling 1-844-224-6770. An account number is needed to pay online and there is a $2.40 charge for online payments, but the town will give an account credit for the convenience fee paid while town hall is closed. 

Customers can also drop off payments and bill stub in the payment drop box at town hall or mail the payment via USPS. 

The public works department will continue as scheduled except non-essential services such as brush collection. 

Sanitation will also continue as scheduled, with town officials saying they will inform customers if any changes to the trash and recycling schedules are made. 

Police and fire services will also remain open. Town officials ask that anyone needing to visit the police department to call ahead in case any issues can be resolved over the phone. The Columbus Police Department can be reached at 828-894-5464. 

The Town of Tryon, City of Saluda and Polk County have all declared states of emergency because of the COVID-19, or Coronavirus. Tryon Town hall is also closed for at least a week, with public works and police and fire operating as normal. Tryon is also asking utility customers to pay online or use the drop box outside of town hall.