The spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is cause for concern within the community, however, there are a number of resources available so you have the latest news and information. The City recommends the following sources for local, state, and federal information on the virus and response efforts:
Here are some steps that you and your family can do to help (from the B-F Health District):
- Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
- Stay home when sick. Staying home when ill prevents the spread of infection to others.
- Practice excellent personal hygiene habits. This includes hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water (use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol if you can’t wash), coughing into tissue or elbow, and avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
- Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
- Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check with the above linked resources for the latest news.
The City is also doing its part to help curb and address the spread of COVID-19:
- Pasco Mayor Saul Martinez recorded a message regarding the City’s efforts; watch it here.
- The City of Pasco declared an emergency due to the COVID-19 situation on March 16; per the Pasco Municipal Code, Mayor Saul Martinez can declare an emergency with ratification of the full City Council. What an emergency declaration mainly does is allow the City to ask for outside assistance, if needed, for financial reimbursement or other needs from state and federal agencies, and allow the City to fast-track procurement for services and supplies related to the current situation. Actions taken by the Mayor under the declaration must be ratified by the full Council. You can watch the Council’s ratification discussion here; read the declaration here.
- Out of an abundance of caution and following guidelines from federal authorities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the City of Pasco will be closing several facilities to the public, including City Hall, from Monday, March 23 through at least Tuesday, March 31.
However, despite these facility closures to the public, the City is committed to delivering services with the least impact as possible. Business will be conducted primarily over the telephone and online. In-person appointments may be scheduled if necessary, and will adhere to best social distancing and sanitary practices. Some of the most affected departments include:
Customer Service/Utility Billing: The City strongly encourages customers to place City utility payments in the drop box located in front of City Hall, 525 N. 3rd Avenue, or at the HAPO Center (TRAC). Information for business and pet licenses and utilities is online at or over the phone at (509) 545-3488.
- Planning/Engineering: Most submittals regarding planning, building, and engineering can be made electronically.Building and Right-of-Way inspections can be requested over the phone at (509) 543-5726 or online.For questions regarding general land use, engineering, and building please call (509) 543-5726 or go online. A drop box will be made available at the front of the City Hall for submittals. To make special arrangements, please contact (509) 543-5726.
- Phone numbers for various City services include:
- Customer Service/Utility Billing: (509) 545-3488
- Permits, Building/Engineering Inspection Services, Development Services, and Licensing information: (509) 543-5726
- Parks and Recreation: (509) 545-3456
- Municipal Court: (509) 545-3491
- City View Cemetery: (509) 545-3460
- Public Records Request/Claims for Damages: (509) 544-3096
- Police non-emergency assistance: (509) 545-3421 (Business Hours); After hours (509) 628-0333
- Non-emergency fire assistance: (509) 628-0333
- Other questions? Call City Hall: (509) 545-3488
- In an event of an emergency, please call 911.
The full list of City facilities closed or open to the public:
City Facilities Closed to Public | Facilities Open |
All parks shelters and bathrooms | Downtown Post Office |
Cemetery Office | Pasco Intermodal Station (Bus/Train Depot) - Ticketed passengers only |
City Hall | Animal Shelter |
Fire Administration Building |
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Fire Stations |
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First Avenue Center |
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Martin Luther King Center |
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Pasco Municipal Court Public Windows |
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Pasco Police Community Services Building |
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Public Works Operations and Plants |
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Pasco City Council Meetings will occur as scheduled for now; Council Chambers will be open for the public but please be aware that seating will be extremely limited. Residents are asked to use online/TV viewing, via Facebook or YouTube, or PSC-TV Channel 191 on Spectrum Cable, to watch City Council meetings. Comments and questions to the Council can be submitted online via the City’s website.
- The Pasco Municipal Court has announced a number of changes due to COVID-19:
- The court will reschedule all civil and criminal, out of custody hearings, including jury trials
- Notice will be mailed to individuals affected by these changes
- Individuals with a contested hearing or mitigation hearing that do not want to appear at a later hearing can request a decision on written documents. (The form is found on our website or you may contact the clerk if you have questions)
- If you have a new address, you should contact Pasco Municipal Court to update your address
- Read the full changes here and here
The City has implemented a Continuation of Operations (COOP) plans to assure that vital City functions continue without interruption. City Manager Dave Zabell and Fire Chief Bob Gear gave a report to Council on the City’s COVID-19 response, including an overview of the COOP; watch the report here.