While there have been no reported cases of coronavirus in Hightstown, municipal officials are not taking any chances and have closed Borough Hall to the public.
The borough officials have also canceled municipal meetings.
The announcement to close municipal offices to the public was made March 16. The offices will be staffed during regular business hours, but no one other than municipal employees will be permitted to enter Borough Hall, 156 Bank St.
Municipal offices are open weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The staff may be contacted by telephone at 609-490-5100 or by email at [email protected].
Borough officials said they are taking these steps to assure the continuity of operations and the ability of the staff to continue to provide municipal services, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Property taxes and water/sewer payments may be paid online on the borough’s website, or by putting a check or money order with the payment stub in the payment drop deposit box at the municipal building.
There have been some changes to municipal services. The sale of bulk stickers has been suspended indefinitely. The bulk pickup for March 30 has been postponed until April 27. Metal pickup for April 1 has been postponed until May 6.
Hightstown officials have also suspended all commission, committee and advisory board meetings unless a meeting is absolutely necessary. The Borough Council met March 16 and is now establishing alternate means of holding its subsequent public meetings.
The fear of spreading COVID-19 also has affected the Hightstown Memorial Library Branch, which is part of the Mercer County Library System. While the library is closed indefinitely, patrons may use the library’s “virtual branch” to check out digital items, such as eBooks.
The annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, set for March 21 at The Peddie School, has been postponed. The fundraiser is sponsored by the Hightstown Cultural Arts Commission and raises money for the food pantry at RISE, the Mercer Street Friends’ Send Hunger Packing program and the Better Beginnings child care center.