City Hall reopens to public on limited basis

Whitefish City Hall reopened to the public on Thursday, Oct. 22 with limited in-person services.

The city, however, is limiting City Hall visits to less than 15 minutes and is still encouraging folks to use their remote services and payment services. The city asks that if an individual requires a meeting with city staff that may last 15 minutes or longer, to call ahead to schedule a remote meeting.

The city says the time limit is the result of the Flathead City-County Health Departments recommendation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and that “residents should limit their number of close, non-household contacts to no more than six persons per week, as well as limiting the duration of close, non-household contacts to less than fifteen minutes whenever possible.”

City Hall previously closed its doors to the public after staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

Currently, City Hall is operating with limited staff in the office while other staff members work remotely, according to City Manager Dana Smith, to further slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We know these are challenging times and appreciate your patience and understanding as the health and wellbeing of our customers and employees remains our top priority,” she said in a release.

City utility and other payments can be made by mail, dropped off in the utility payment drop box located off Baker Avenue at City Hall, or made by credit card over the phone by calling 406-863-2400 or online at www.cityofwhitefish.org.

“Together we can keep our businesses and schools open by wearing face coverings, social distancing, and limiting gatherings and close contacts outside our households. Please continue to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” Smith added.