News Flash

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the Pasco 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:

• Benton-Franklin Health District
• Franklin County Emergency Management
• Pasco School District
• Washington State Department of Health
  •   Sitio de BienestarWA en Español del Departamento de Salud del Estado de Washington
• Resource List for residents and businesses from the State of Washington
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Here are some steps that you and your family can do to help (from the Washington State Department of Health):

• Wash your hands often.
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Stay home if you’re sick.
• If you feel symptoms of COVID-19, get tested.
• Get a COVID-19 Vaccination. 

The City is also doing its part to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19: 

• The City of Pasco declared an emergency due to the COVID-19 situation on March 16, 2020; per the Pasco Municipal Code, Mayor Saul Martinez can declare an emergency with the 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. 
• Mayor Martinez signed three emergency declarations to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the Pasco community. The orders are:
  • Order 2020-001 provides for a variance in the City’s sign code to allow restaurants more use of signs, including sandwich boards and banners, to advertise take-out or delivery services. Interested businesses can call Community Development for more information at (509) 545-3441.
  • Order 2020-002 enacts a temporary moratorium on utility service shut-offs and late fees for City of Pasco customers during this emergency. However, customers are urged to call Customer Service at (509) 545-3448 to set up a payment plan if they are having financial difficulties or for more information.
  • An emergency order that will give Pasco restaurants flexibility in outdoor seating.
• Pasco City Council Meetings occur as scheduled. 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. Please see the City Council Agenda for more information.
  
  
• The Pasco Municipal Court has announced a number of changes due to COVID-19; please see the Court’s COVID-19 page for more information.

The City has implemented a Continuation of Operations (COOP) plans to assure that vital City functions continue without interruption.