PUBLIC SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENT

In the interest of the safety of our community and staff, Town offices will be closed to public access effective March 17th through April 8, 2020.  This includes the Town Office, Library, Public Works Department, Public Safety Department, Maintenance Department and Newbegin Gym. Right now, on-site Code Enforcement inspections will continue, as needed.  It is important that we all follow the ‘social distancing’ recommendation from the CDC which is to stand 6 feet away from each other when in public spaces.

Please note: Many services are offered online through our web portal. Town staff will be answering phone calls to better assist you with matters which may be urgent. The free WiFi connection will still be provided at both the Library and the Town Hall and is accessible from the parking lot. 

Property taxes are due on May 4th. The Town recognizes the impacts being felt by some due to illness and/or loss of income due to closures or social distancing protocols; therefore, will be extending the payment period. There is a drop-box for payments at the front entrance of the building, payments can be mailed in or made online (with a 2.5% processing fee). We encourage you to pay on time if possible, as this allows the Town to ease the burden for those who are experiencing trouble doing so during these difficult times.   

The Library intends to extend check out dates.  Additionally, they will providing information on their website and on their Facebook page regarding the several online services available such as “cloud library”, audio books, and homework online services.

All committee meetings and public events are cancelled through the end of March, with the exceptions of Town Council and Budget workshops. Presentations to the Council, along with some other items, will be pushed to later dates. The Public is strongly encouraged to NOT attend the meetings, but to watch them online instead. Comments, questions or feedback on Council items or the budget can be submitted to the Council or Town Manager at any time via e-mail using the Town Website. 

The Transfer Station will be accepting HOUSEHOLD TRASH ONLY.  We will not be accepting recyclables, bulky waste, furniture or construction debris. The swap shop will be closed.  We would also encourage residents to bring household trash throughout the week (Wed-Fri 8am-4pm) rather than waiting until Saturday and Sunday (7am-3pm), whenever possible, to help reduce the number of residents on site at one time.  The transfer station employees have been instructed to not assist with any large items and to maintain “social distancing” at this time (we encourage residents to do the same). 

We recognize these measures are inconvenient and challenging for many. They will not prevent the outbreak in Maine: however, these measures will help to reduce the intensity of the outbreak. The CDC is now recommending that all gatherings of 50 or more people be cancelled or postponed. They are also recommending that anyone in the high-risk category (such as the elderly, immune compromised, etc.) avoid gatherings of 10 or more people. It is best that those in the high-risk category isolate as much as feasible. Please be safe. We thank you for your cooperation during this time and will post updates as they are received.

Sincerely, 

Town of Gray