City Of Newberg Declares State Of Emergency -03/17/20

(NEWBERG, OREGON) – On March 16, 2020 Newberg Mayor Rick Rogers officially declared a State of Emergency in Newberg as a result of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic. The declaration mirrors actions recently taken at the federal and state levels and allows the City Manager to redirect city funds for emergency use and to award contracts and make purchases in response to the emergency.

The emergency declaration cancels all non-essential city commissions, committees, task forces, and city events until April 13. Alternative meeting arrangements will be made for remote meetings of City Council and other commissions. The statement also allows the City Manager to issue emergency rules and guidance to employees on the use of sick leave, telework, remote work, and other policies. The declaration was ratified by City Council on March 16, 2020 and will remain in effect through April 13, 2020. The declaration may be extended for two week increments thereafter.

The City of Newberg is taking precautionary measures and actively encouraging social distancing in the City. As of March 16, 2020:

• The Newberg Public Library is closed to the public through Friday, April 3. The Library asks that patrons not return items during this time and notes that all due dates for materials have been pushed out to April 15. The Library is promoting e-reading materials and other content.
• The Newberg Municipal Court will reschedule all court appearances that are scheduled for Tuesday March 17, March 24, and March 31. This does not dismiss citations, appearance dates are simply being rescheduled to promote social distancing.
• The Newberg Public Safety Building is closed to the public. The non-emergency phone number to emergency dispatch is 5034-538-8321.
• The City of Newberg will not disconnect water service for non-payment of a utility bill. Customers continue to be responsible for utility charges due now and accrued through this time.
• The City of Newberg asks that all court payments and utility bill payments be made through the dropbox located in the Public Safety Building parking lot. Utility bill payments can also be made online at the City’s website.
• The Newberg Public Works buildings are closed to drop-in visitors. Visitors must have an advanced appointment and are restricted to deliveries only from scheduled vendors.

As measures continue to come from the State and County, the City of Newberg is actively monitoring the situation and will continue to update both its website (www.NewbergOregon.gov/COVID-19) and its social media pages with the latest information and updates from the City.

The City asks that all residents remain calm during this time and do their part to increase social distancing. There are many populations vulnerable to this disease and the City makes all decisions with these populations in mind. We ask that the citizens of Newberg be thoughtful in purchases and decisions as we all combat this crisis. 

City leaders express their concern for vulnerable populations that will be disproportionately impacted by business and service closures. Residents are encouraged to communicate with City officials via email or phone. We know the citizens of Newberg will face this crisis with compassion and a community mentality.

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