COVID-19 changes routines of city workers

The unrelenting virus has changed the routines for a number of Walhalla municipal employees. The mayor and city council heard examples during their meeting that followed social distancing guidelines and employed a telephone hookup that brought city officials and interested members of the public together. One example is the police department, which for protection against catching the virus, keeps its Main Street front door on lock down. But the police are on the job. Chief Brinson says his officers are handling a lot of routine matters by telephone. On actual calls, they have taken to wearing masks and gloves. A manpower shortage, combined with COVID-19 concerns, is exerting a different kind of strain on the city’s water plant near 183, the Westminster Highway. Scott Parris, utilities superintendent, says the water plant is in need of a hard to find commodity—certified plant operators. Parris is capable, but he’s purposely keeping his distance from the plant. There’s concern for one of the operators because his nurse daughter is on the frontline against the virus. The on-duty operators are working in isolation to keep the city’s water service running. Helping Walhalla with its manpower shortage there are Seneca Light and Water personnel. And, for that Parris and council utilities chairman Underwood are grateful to the nearby city.