MARCH 2020 NEWSLETTER & COVID-19 GUIDELINES

NEWSLETTER

Please help us stop the spread of COVID-19!  The Town is following the directives issued by the N.C. Governor and we ask that you do too! In efforts to protect the health and safety of the community, our customers and staff, the Town of Hookerton is implementing several operational changes to encourage social distancing and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

CUSTOMER SERVICE CHANGES:

Effective immediately, the town is implementing limited access to the Town Office for both customer service and NCDMV.  Customers who have traditionally paid in person are encouraged to use other options for their own safety and convenience: Pay-by-mail; 24-hour drop box, your bank’s bill-pay service and pay-by-phone.  Pay-by-phone service charge will be waived for the month April. We will continue to monitor this pandemic and will update accordingly.

NEW SERVICE OR DISCONNECTION, application for service is on the Town’s website at www.hookertonnc.com , please fill out the application and email it to ahbaker@embarqmail.com.  Any deposits required will be taken over the phone.  Disconnections - if you are disconnecting services for any reason this as well can be done over the phone at 252-747-3816 then press option 1 to speak with customer service.  

NCDMV – is restricting the number of customers in the office to five (5) at any time.  If you have a transaction that needs to be taken care of please consider using the drive thru (Cash or check only).  If there are more than five (5) people in the building at any time, we will take your phone number and ask you to wait in your car until your number in line is next.  If you have family with you during your transaction (not involved in the transaction) they will be asked to leave the building.  

SANITATION STATION – If you must enter the building PLEASE use the hand sanitation station upon entering and exiting the building for your safety and staff.  We are taking extra sanitation measures to clean counters, doors and writing utensils more frequently.  IF YOU HAVE ANY FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON!

EMERGENCIES – As of today, our staff is still available for any emergency that may rise, if it is Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00 p.m. please call the office at 252-747-3816 and someone will assist you.  After hour emergencies please call the office at 252-747-3816 which will direct you as to who to call for after-hours help.

HOMETOWN CELEBRATION – has been cancelled for this year.  As of today it is unknown how long we will be ordered to practice social distance and only allowing ten (10) people for social gatherings, the Board of Commissioners feel this is the best decision at this time to continue to protect the community.  

Remember to check on your neighbor, help each other when you can.  We will get through this together!

 

In other news…

The Town has been awarded funds through CDBG-I for water improvements within the town limits.  The Town Board and Staff would like to thank each of you for filling out the surveys that were required to apply for this grant.  This project should be underway by mid fall.  

The Town also has been awarded funds for a backup generator for the well.  Having a backup generator during power outages along with hurricanes is crucial for the citizens of Hookerton.  The backup generator will allow the town to continue to pump water to our citizens.

The Town is working diligently on a PARTF (Parks and Recreation Trust Fund) grant, to fulfill the demand of playground equipment and other activities at the Hookerton Recreational Park.  We thank you in advance for completing the surveys and returning them to the town office. If you have not completed a survey and wish to do so, they are available at the town office.  

 

The Town Board and Staff are always here to help or answer any question you may have, please feel free to do so as needed.

 

Sincerely,

 

April H. Vinson, CMC

Town Clerk