Town acts on utility connections, meeting plans

April 20, 2020

Coeburn Town Council took several actions Monday night in response to the COVID-19 virus emergency, according to Town Manager Jimmy Williams.

Members met remotely by conference call.

Council agreed to stop water/sewer disconnections and related fees through June 10. However, council urged citizens to keep paying their water bills, Williams noted. Otherwise, they will simply face a “much larger” bill June 15.

Council also agreed to suspend the due date for business licenses and associated fees through July 1.

Further, members passed an ordinance stipulating that Coeburn’s public bodies cannot safely meet in person and can instead meet electronically. Boards must provide at least three days’ public notice before any such meeting, stipulating how the public can participate.

Non-emergency public hearings and action items can be postponed “to a date certain” as long as the public is given notice.

The emergency meeting rules will stay in effect for 90 days, unless amended, but no longer than six months.

Council will hold a budget discussion and non-voting workshop April 27 at 6:30 p.m. by conference call.