Bill penalties suspended during emergency

by JEFF LESTER • INTERIM EDITOR
Norton City Council and staff met in person last Tuesday night, but maintained social distances of at least six feet.  CITY OF NORTON PHOTO Norton City Council and staff met in person last Tuesday night, but maintained social distances of at least six feet. CITY OF NORTON PHOTO

Norton City Council met in person Tuesday night, but members and staff were spread at least six feet apart.

No citizens were present, according to City Manager Fred Ramey.

Council proceeded to pass an emergency ordinance that will allow Norton’s elected and appointed boards to meet remotely as citizens continue to maintain social distance during the coronavirus pandemic.

The ordinance is in effect for 60 days but no longer than six months, Ramey explained Wednesday in an email.

It suspends penalties on delinquent real estate taxes for the duration of the emergency ordinance. The first half of real estate taxes is still due May 15, but no penalties will be imposed for late payments, Ramey explained.

Also, the ordinance suspends penalties on delinquent water and sewer bills.

MEETINGS

The ordinance suspends any legal or regulatory deadlines for city government action.

The measure declares it unsafe for Norton public boards to assemble in one location or “to conduct meetings in accordance with normal practices and procedures.”

It allows any public body meeting to be conducted electronically without a quorum physically present. However, at least three days’ notice is required, identifying how the public can participate remotely.

Under the ordinance, city boards can postpone any non-emergency meetings and actions, so long as the public gets notice of “how and where to present their views.”

ACTIONS

Tuesday night, Ramey told council that staff had begun limited closure of city hall and city offices to walk-in traffic. City offices remain open on their normal hours.

Anyone who needs to contact city staff for assistance can call 679-1160.

Also, Ramey told council, the city has established a COVID-19 virus updates page on its website at http://www.nortonva.gov/covid19.