MORGANTOWN — The recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Monongalia County prompted Morgantown City Council to schedule a special meeting for 7:30 a.m. Tuesday to discuss various topics, including potential penalties for violating the statewide mask mandate.
The session will begin with a status update from Monongalia County Health Department Executive Director Lee Smith.
“We’ve asked Dr. Smith to come in and provide us an update. We’re really interested in what he has to say about what actions might be helpful and appropriate for the city to take to help decrease the spread of this virus during this resurgence,” Mayor Ron Dulaney said.
According to the agenda, the remainder of the meeting will likely be held in executive session.
Gov. Jim Justice issued an order on July 6 mandating masks in public buildings where social distancing isn’t possible. While the original order didn’t spell out any enforcement, Justice has since said he may have to reconsider.
“It sounds like the governor might put some teeth behind the mask mandate that he provided, but that’s one of the things we’ll be looking at. Is there something that we can do locally with that,” Dulaney said. “We’re also looking at gathering restrictions and enforcement of that.”
Asked if the city can create such penalties, Communications Manager Andrew Stacy said “West Virginia cities have broad powers to make laws protecting the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens. “
Stacy went on to say city administration is working with the MCHD and DHHR on how best to ensure the mask mandate is followed.
“Police officers throughout the state are authorized to arrest anyone who violates an order by the Governor issued under an emergency declaration,” Stacy said. “Police officers also have authority to issue citations instead of making arrests.”
Dulaney said members of council are also interested in discussing the fact that the Morgantown Utility Board’s transition back to normal billing practices beginning July 1. This is in line with the West Virginia Public Service Commission’s guidance.
MUB Spokesman Chris Dale explained that beginning March 16, MUB suspended late charges and termination of service for non-payment, as well as the reconnection of water service for all customers who had been recently terminated for amounts past due.
Dale said normal late fees will only be applied to bills issued after July 1. MUB’s restart plan includes the option of a deferred payment agreement to be worked out between MUB and the customer.
“While MUB is restarting its normal billing practices, it is mindful that some customers may have been more negatively impacted by the pandemic than others,” Dale explained. “Therefore, MUB is committed to working closely with customers to ensure that its normal billing practices are fairly applied.”
Dulaney said council is also interested in discussing any possible aid it could provide to city residents facing eviction due to the pandemic.
He said a big part of the discussion will be discerning exactly what the city can and can’t do.
“We’re concerned because of the resurgence. We’re concerned about health and we’re concerned about the financial hardship of our community members,” Dulaney said. “The first thing we want to do is make sure folks understand that the health conditions are related to the financial impacts we’re going to have. If we don’t nip this in the bud, the financial impact is going to end up being more severe. They work hand in hand.”
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