KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The city of Independence will reduce hours of operation at city buildings and require more staff to work remotely in response to the recent uptick of COVID-19 cases in the area.
Mayor Eileen Weir said Thursday that city facilities will reduce their hours to the public beginning Monday, Nov. 16.
City Hall and the Independence Police Department headquarters will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays only.
In addition, all city staff who can work from home will be required to do so, Weir said.
“Over the last two weeks we have seen a troubling spike not only in cases in the region but also in our staff,” Weir said in a news release.
Weir said that in the last two weeks, more than 20 city staff have tested positive, requiring more than 100 other staff to quarantine.
“We are not taking this situation lightly,” she said. “To ensure we are able to provide the best services our citizens depend on, we must take additional steps to protect the health of our staff and the health of the community we serve.”
Weir also said Thursday that the city will use federal CARES Act funding on technology needed to increase the capacity for remote work and virtual meetings.
Here’s a look at the reduced hours for Independence city buildings beginning Monday. Health screenings will be required to enter city buildings, and all visitors must wear masks.
- Independence Utilities Center: Customer service windows open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Roger T. Sermon Community Center: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
- Truman Memorial Building: Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Closed Friday through Sunday.
- Uptown Market: Open for events as posted.
- Municipal Court (located on the lower level of City Hall): Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon Friday. Youth Court office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays.
