City of Fort Wright Government Building - Closed to the Public
March 19, 2020
Due to the ongoing public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Fort Wright City Building is closed to public access until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause, but we are focused on the safety of the public and our staff at this unprecedented time, and you can still conduct City business over the phone, via email and through our website.
Although our City Building is closed, our dedicated staff continues to work hard, and they have been directed by the Mayor and Council to ensure that emergency response is the top priority. All critical health and public safety operations will continue uninterrupted and, in the event you have an emergency, please call 911.
For non-emergency assistance, please continue to contact us between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at 859-331-1700 or visit us at www.fortwright.com for the most up to date information regarding services. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the very latest information about city operations and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
While the situation is changing rapidly, we wanted to provide the current operational status:
Formal State of Emergency Declared
At the 03/18/2020 City Council meeting City Council unanimously approved an Executive Order declaring a formal State Of Emergency in the City of Fort Wright.
Among other things, the order empowers the Mayor to waive procedures and formalities otherwise required by the law pertaining to:
- Performance of public work.
- Entering into contracts.
- Incurring obligations.
- Employment of permanent and temporary workers.
- Utilization of volunteer workers.
- Rental of equipment.
- Appropriation of public funds.
Additional, specific changes will be implemented via executive order, if necessary. Currently, we do not have any additional executive orders pending as of this email. If warranted, additional executive orders will be published on the City's website.
It also ensures that we may be able to be reimbursed from FEMA for certain operational expenses.
The emergency declaration will be in effect until rescinded, which will happen as soon as practical after the COVID-19 Pandemic ends.
Non Medical Assistance Needed
If you are a resident of Fort Wright and in need of non-medical assistance, for example, you are elderly and can't risk a trip to the grocery or the pharmacy as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, please email us at [email protected] or contact us at 859.331.1700.
Please be prepared to include your name, address, telephone number, type of assistance you need, and any other pertinent details. We will attempt to put you in touch with agencies and/or individuals who may be able to assist you.
Public Meetings
All public meetings have been temporarily suspended, the only exception is the required monthly Council meeting. We are reviewing recent guidance from the KY Attorney General's Office regarding changes to the Kentucky Open Meeting law as a result of the ongoing pandemic. We are also researching virtual meeting technologies that will allow Council to meet safely while allowing citizens to attend meetings remotely. Ensuring that Council meetings and actions are open and transparent is a top priority. More information will be provided when available in the very near future.
Planning and Zoning:
Expect a delay in response to complaints. The normal 24-hour inspection period may not be adhered to.
Public Works:
Interactions will occur, whenever possible, in open air areas with separation.
Open Records Request
All Open Records Responses for the City of Fort Wright will be suspended until the State of Emergency is lifted, at which time your request will be evaluated as soon as practical in its order of receipt. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].
Notary Services
Notary services are suspended until further notice.
Passport Services
Passport Services are suspended until further notice.
Delinquent Taxes
Residents who need to pay any tax bill that is owed prior to 2020 can call or email us at 859.331.1700
Fingerprinting Services
Finger printing services are suspended until further notice.
Police Department Accident Reports
Visit buycrash.com to obtain a copy of all accident reports or call us at 859.331.1700.
Homestead Applications
Anyone with questions or concerns about how to apply for or receive a Homestead Exemption should email their questions or concerns to [email protected]
South Hills Civic Club
The South Hills Civic Club is closed and no rentals are being booked until further notice. If you have an existing reservations you'd like to inquire about please call 859.331.1700.
James A Ramage Civil War Museum
The James A. Ramage Civil War Museum, located in Battery Hooper Park, is closed until further notice.
Credible Kentucky COVID-19 information
Any Kentucky resident who wishes to receive more information about the COVID-19 Pandemic can visit the Kentucky COVID-19 website at http://kycovid19.ky.gov or call the state Coronavirus hotline at 1.800.722.5725 for advice about when and how to seek medical treatment. Those with symptoms of Coronavirus, consisting of cough, fever, and difficulty breathing are strongly urged to call the hotline or their physician before visiting a doctor.
We urge you to stay currently informed on this matter, and take precautionary measures to protect yourself against contracting COVID-19. In order to assist you, here are some additional resources for your review.
US Department of State
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
NIH
Kentucky Health Alerts
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Human Services
NKY Health Department
Fort Wright COVID page
Many non-emergency services may be delayed, please be patient with and kind to our team as they focus on emergency services.
Please stay calm and remember our motto "Neighbors Helping Neighbors". Wash your hands, limit any non-essential travels, practice social distancing, keep an eye on your neighbors and help where you can.
Finally, please say a prayer for our first responders and all of our staff and their families for health and safety at this difficult time.
Stay healthy and safe.
Dave Hatter, Mayor