On March 27, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued a stay-at-home order for the state of North Carolina beginning at 5pm on Monday, March 30, 2020, and continuing through the end of April, except for essential activities.
“Due to the COVID 19 (coronavirus) pandemic and Executive Order No. 121, we have developed steps to continue to maintain a safe workplace and protect the health of employees, customers and citizens,” said City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney. “All departments have transitioned to “essential personnel only” operations, based on their emergency Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).”
The city of Rocky Mount is committed to providing excellent municipal services during the coronavirus pandemic and will maximize its resources and personnel to ensure customer expectations are met.
“We offer essential services to our residents, and we are prepared to deliver those going forward, and are confident in our ability to carry out the plan,” said Small-Toney. The following departmental actions will be taken:
- Water Resources will continue to provide uninterrupted service in all categories
- Energy Resources will provide all existing services except new energy audits and installation of new load management devices. Repairs will continue to be made on any faulty load management devices currently on customer appliances
- All city buildings will be closed to the public except the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building — only for the purpose of holding meetings of the City Council
- Tar River Transit will continue normal service except for rural routes, which will be by appointment; all fares are free
- The Rocky Mount Event Center, Booker T. Washington Community Center, South Rocky Mount Community Center, Rocky Mount Senior Center, Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, RM Wilson Gym are closed
- Public Works will operate as normal regarding trash and recycling; yard waste and bulk item collection has been suspended
- The Rocky Mount Police Department will continue fingerprinting for city residents only. Patrol, Investigations and Special Task Force will operate as normal; Animal control by appointment only. The department will continue to abide by CDC guidelines regarding social distancing
- The Rocky Mount Fire Department will continue normal operations but will reduce its administrative office support staff
Visit rockymountnc.gov for the latest and most accurate news on the coronavirus affecting this community. Social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram also are available for information.
The city of Rocky Mount, located in the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, was incorporated in 1867 and lies in Edgecombe and Nash Counties. Rocky Mount is a two-time All-America City on the Tar River. Serving as the Gateway to Eastern North Carolina, the city’s 875 employees serve approximately 58,000 residents daily.
The city’s mission is to advance community well-being, safety and quality of life by delivering excellent public services and actively collaborating with the community toward a fulfilling and inspired future for its citizens. As a publicly owned utility, the city of Rocky Mount is committed to safe, reliable service for its customers and operates in Nash and Edgecombe counties, providing customers with electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater (sewer), refuse, recycling and/or stormwater services.
Source: Jessie Nunery, City of Rocky Mount, North Carolina
