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In light of the latest recommendations by Governor Kim Reynolds, the CDC, and Linn County Public Health, the City of Marion is implementing the following response as it relates to the presence of coronavirus in eastern Iowa. Given the information available at this time: Marion City Hall remains open. Public access will be restricted as of Friday. Only critical visits should be conducted. Most board/commission meetings will be postponed. Utility payments may be made online, by phone or through the payment drop boxes outside of Marion City Hall. Payment arrangements may be made by calling 319-743-6310. The Marion City Council work session for Tuesday, March 17 has been cancelled. The City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 19 will occur out of necessity to adopt the FY2021 Operating Budget and to fill the at large City Council vacancy. All Parks and Recreation programming will be cancelled or postponed through April 4. This includes day camps, youth and adult recreation programs and activities. Every effort will be made to reschedule these activities. Senior activities and Encore Café at Lowe Park are also cancelled. Administrative offices at Thomas and Lowe Park remain open at this time, and will close on Friday, March 20. Facility rentals or usage will not be permitted. Staff will contact those directly impacted by this announcement. Marion Public Library is closed to the public, effective Monday, March 16. Online and reference help will still be available during normal hours of operation. The Public Services Department is suspending bulk item collection. The Recycling Drop-off Center is closed indefinitely. The Compost Facility remains open, and curbside garbage and recycling collection will continue as scheduled. Marion’s first responders – police, fire and 911 dispatchers - are following the emergency response protocol as provided by Linn County Emergency Management and the CDC. In times such as these, it is best to call or email the appropriate department prior to coming to the respective facility. Local updates can be found on the City of Marion website www.cityofmarion.org.