Lacey government buildings and offices start reopening today

LACEY –– Some of the City of Lacey’s government buildings and offices will start reopening today under modified hours now that Thurston County is moving into “Safe Start” Phase 3. 

City officials made the announcement about government offices reopening, stating that Lacey City Hall will be open to the public on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and that the Public Works Maintenance Facility will be open on the same days from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. City officials plan to practice social distancing of at least six feet and will follow the State Secretary of Health’s direction to wear cloth face coverings or masks. 

Residents of the city are encouraged to use city services online, over the phone and by email as much as possible. Those who need help making payments on utility bills should visit the city’s Utility Payment Options webpage or call 360-491-5616. 

Those with questions about construction-related permits should call 360-491-5642 and those trying to secure passports should call 360-491-3212 or visit travel.state.gov. for more passport information. Callers with general inquiries to the city should call 360-491-3214. 

Other cities here are being a little more cautious. According to the City of Olympia’s website, city government offices are currently closed, although according to a reopening framework chart put together by city officials, government offices and buildings could reopen if employees are brought in on a staggered work schedule and if social distancing can be maintained. This chart also stipulates that residents should access city services remotely if possible. 

Public meetings, like city council or planning commission meetings, could be held in a hybrid format under Phase 3. This means meetings can be held on-site at city hall with a remote option available for city councilors or committee members. 

Tumwater, similarly, is still keeping city buildings closed, although Thurston County announced on Friday that county buildings will start to reopen starting today, June 29. Social distancing will be maintained in county offices and face coverings are required.