NORTH PORT (WSNN) – COVID-19 shutdowns the gears of in-person North Port Government.
“We had kind of a small outbreak, if you will, within the building department here,” City of North Port Spokesperson, Josh Taylor, said.
Taylor says four or five staff members on the first floor contracted COVID, which is why they’re making some temporary changes.
City Hall’s first floor services and interactions are closed to walk-ins for permitting, planning, and utility payments. Not to say they’re shutting down completely, just going from in-person to on wheels.
“You’re just going to have to drive through the drive-thru over here, instead of walking in and physically having that conversation face-to-face,” Taylor said. “Just out of an abundance of caution, we just want to kind of limit that interaction with the public for their safety and for ours.”
And all departments are still available online and over the phone.
If you plan to pick up a permit and make a payment, you must call or email before picking it up. But dropping off a permit is fast and secure through the Building Division’s new 24/7 drop-box.
Since the changes went into effect immediately, residents were caught by surprise.
“I had no notice, so here I have my paperwork ready to do what I need to do,” North Port resident Jane DeClercq said. “I’m just seconds from getting two-permits that we’ve been waiting for. It’s frustrating because now I have to go home, make a different cover letter. I can’t drop off what I needed to do at the box.”
DeClercq works in construction and says COVID has made business harder, but she understands the need to keep everyone safe.
“People still want their water on and their roads fixed and all that good stuff, so we have to come up with a way to make it work, and if we have a little bump here, we’ll adapt,” Taylor said.
City Hall staff members are working during normal business hours either from home or in the office. Commission meetings will continue as well. You can find all North Port’s updated information on COVID-19 here.
