For Immediate Release – Covid-19 update – March 24, 2020

The Town of Tarboro continues to closely monitor the effects of COVID-19 (coronavirus).  As always the safety of our citizens and visitors is our highest priority. 

In accordance with State and Federal guidelines and recommendations, and in an abundance of caution, effective Saturday, March 14, 2020 the Town of Tarboro will take the following actions in response to COVID-19: 

  • Cease all nonessential town events, gatherings, and meetings until further notice
  • Close the E.L. Roberson Senior Recreation Center until further notice
  • Suspend all organized Parks & Recreation indoor and outdoor programs, games, activities, and rentals until further notice.  Recreation facilities, other than the E.L. Roberson Senior Recreation Center, will remain open for individual use during normal hours until further notice.  Existing rentals of facilities will receive refunds if cancelled and not postponed.
  • ·       Other Town facilities, including Town Hall, will remain open during normal hours to serve our citizens until further notice.
  • Town staff will be increasing sanitation efforts, including disinfecting doors, surfaces, and equipment on a regular basis to mitigate the potential for virus exposure.

Based on the latest guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and mandates from Governor Roy Cooper, effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020 the Town of Tarboro took the following additional actions:

  • ·       The Fitness Room at Braswell Recreation Center will be closed until further notice.
  • ·       Staff will monitor gatherings of individuals at Town facilities to keep them at 50 or fewer people.

On 3/20/2020 the State of NC reported that two cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed through communal contact.  In an effort to protect our citizens and staff we are making the decision to close our buildings to the public.  Effective 3/20/2020 at 5pm, ALL Town of Tarboro owned buildings will be closed to the public. 

  • The Town of Tarboro will continue to provide administrative, utility services to include electric, water, sewer, trash, and recycling collection.  Recreation services will not be provided until further notice.  
  • Town staff will continue to report to work to fulfill services.

Utility payments can be made by utilizing our drop box located at the front of Town Hall at 500 N. Main St. or by paying online with our payment portal located on our website at www.tarboro-nc.com. 

Town staff may be contacted utilizing the listing below:

 Administration (252) 641-4223

Utility Payment Collection Department (252) 641-4220

Electric (252) 641-4252

Finance (252) 641-4220

Fire 911 Emergency, (252) 641-4296 Non-Emergency

Human Resources (252) 641-4244

Planning (252) 641-4249

Police 911 Emergency, (252) 641-4211 Non-Emergency

Public Works (252) 641-4235

Recreation (252) 641- 4263

 

Effective March 23, 2020, The Town of Tarboro will suspend the disconnection of utilities and charging of late payment and delinquent fees for non-payment during the local State of Emergency until the order to do so is rescinded by the Tarboro Town Council.  Customers must work out a reasonable pay arrangement, not to exceed six months from their due date.  Please note, bills are not being waived during this time, and customers who are able are strongly encouraged to continue to make timely payments.  The longer services continue without payment, the more difficult it may be to catch up when the crisis ends. 

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, these community-based interventions to limit social interactions and public gatherings can have a significant impact on limiting the spread of viruses like COVID-19.  The Town of Tarboro, does not take these actions lightly, but rather as an appropriate response to protect the most vulnerable of our citizens and visitors.  In addition to the Town’s actions, individuals can take several basic steps on their own to prevent the contraction and spread of viruses.  The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following:

  • Practice Good Hygiene. 
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. 
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • If you are feeling ill, please contact your healthcare provider.

For more information about COVID-19, go to www.cdc.gov.

RESOLUTION OF THE  TOWN COUNCIL OF THE  TOWN OF TARBORO 
 
 WHEREAS, beginning in December 2019, a novel coronavirus, now designated SARS-CoV2 which causes the disease COVID-19, has spread through the world and has now been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization; and  
 
 WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 116 declaring a State of Emergency in North Carolina to coordinate response and protective actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and  
 
 WHEREAS, the restrictions imposed by the Governor and others necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19 have severely impacted the local economy and especially the livelihoods of many Town of Tarboro utility customers; and 
 
 WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that in addition to social distancing and other steps, that frequent hand washing reduces the risk of infection and prevents the spread of the virus; and 
 
 WHEREAS, such hygiene requires continued customer access during this time to water and electrical services for customer safety and protection of the public; and 
 
 WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, Mayor Joseph W. Pitt declared a State of Emergency in the Town of Tarboro to better facilitate the Town’s response and protective actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and  
 
 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that effective upon the Mayor’s declaration of the local State of Emergency, the Town Council of the Town of Tarboro hereby suspends disconnections due to non-payment of utility bills, except where necessary or as requested by the customer, and waives late payment and delinquent fees until this order is rescinded by this board.  The Town Council further authorizes staff to work with customers to establish a reasonable payment arrangement, not to exceed a six month period to pay arrearages accrued during the State of Emergency. No provision of this resolution shall be construed as relieving a customer of their obligation to pay bills for receipt of any utility service by the Town of Tarboro. 
 

 Adopted this 24th day of March, 2020.