City Closes Buildings, Further Postpones Holidays On The River

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — The city of Tuscaloosa on Monday announced it will limit access to city buildings, along with attendance at city functions in an effort to protect the local healthcare system and maintain essential city functions in the face of workforce impacts and spikes in coronavirus hospitalizations.

Click here to subscribe to our daily email newsletters and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices for free. You can also support local journalism by donating as little as $5 a month to become a supporting member or by downloading our free Patch mobile app.

The city said in a press release Monday afternoon that all closures to the public only apply to city of Tuscaloosa buildings and event spaces and do not directly apply to PARA, Tuscaloosa City Schools or the Tuscaloosa Transit Authority facilities. Amid the holiday season, the city also said it will extend the postponement of Holidays on the River through Dec. 17.

City Hall will be closed to the public effective 6 p.m. Monday until Jan. 4, 2021.

City spokesman Richard Rush said any necessary transactions can be conducted online, over the phone, through the mail, or through an on-site drop box located in the City Hall drive-through.

The drop box on the top floor of the IMF parking deck can also be used for business related to revenue, planning, and building and inspections. In-person water payments must be made at the first floor City Hall drive-through.

Other changes and contact information:

• City Council meetings will be held virtually. Meetings will be live-streamed and public statements may be made via email, phone, or video.
• Water and sewer bills can be paid online at Tuscaloosa.com/pay-water-bill, by phone at (205) 248-5500, through the drop box located in the City Hall drive-through, or by mail to P.O. Box 2089 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403.
• To conduct business with Building & Inspections, call (205) 248-5110.
• To conduct business with Planning & Zoning, call (205) 248-5100.
• To reach any other department, call Tuscaloosa 311.
• No new events may be booked at the Tuscaloosa River Market until after Jan. 4, 2021.
• Tuscaloosa Municipal Court will be closed to the public effective Monday, Dec. 14th, and court cases will be deferred until after Jan. 4, 2021.
• The Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum and the Gateway will be closed to the public from Tuesday, Dec. 8 until Jan. 4, 2021.

Follow Patch here for updates or on Facebook and Twitter.