Ironton has closed its city center to the public. The move came on Tuesday, when the building closed at the end of the work day.

“This comes as a safety precaution to limit those gathering in public areas and to encourage citizens to practice social distancing,” Ironton Mayor Sam Cramblit said in a Facebook post. “City offices will remain open as of now and we will be available to assist any concerns or needs by phone.”

Residents that need to pay a utility bill can do so online at www.ironton-ohio.com, by phone at 844-242-8323, through mail or drop it at the curbside drop box on Vernon Street.

If you’re a new resident or have recently moved and need to setup your water service, please call the water office to set up an appointment at 740-532-3353 or email chowell@ironton-ohio.com

The city is asking that those who have to pay their income taxes do so by mail or leave it in the drop box on Vernon Street as well. If you have any concerns, call 740-532-9241 or email at tax1@ironton-ohio.com.

To apply for a business license or service worker’s license, call the finance department at 740-533-0439 or email mschreck@ironton-ohio.com

Those in need of assistance with building permits, call the building and zoning office at 740-532-0198 or email zoning@ironton-ohio.com

If you are requesting a traffic or crash records report, call the police station at 740-532-2345 or email chiefipd@ironton-ohio.com

The Ironton Municipal Court is now operating under reduced hours. With the city building closed to the public, only defendants, witnesses and attorneys will be allowed in the courtroom on Mondays and Thursdays. To pay fines or other court costs, people can mail it to 301 S. Third St., P.O. 237 3rd floor, Ironton, OH 45638; by phone at 740-646-7290 or online at Irontonmuni.com.

If you have questions on courts operations, contact the court at 740-532-3062.

“Of course, these are uncharted waters, and we are all adapting to the changes that are impacting our state and country,” Ironton Judge Kevin Waldo said in a Facebook post. “We are willing to work with anyone if you have questions or concerns.”

The Ironton City Council will continue to meet, but the public will not be allowed in until further notice. However, the meetings will be available for viewing live on the council’s Facebook page.

Craig Harvey, chairman of the Ironton City Council, said that in the context of public health recommendations for limiting the amount of people in public gatherings, and after consulting the city’s legal counsel, that meetings will be limited to council members and those deemed necessary for council including department heads, the council clerk, the city attorney and the person operating the camera for Facebook live and the media.

“Ironton City Council will continue to conduct business and function as the legislative body for this community,” Harvey posted. “The city of Ironton will continue to update residents with important announcements through all normal media outlets, as well as the City of Ironton Government Facebook page.”

The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be 6 p.m. on March 26.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding in these times of uncertainty,” Harvey posted. “Know that the City of Ironton is committed to being transparent with its citizens and to continue to provide stable and proactive leadership.”

On Wednesday, the Ironton Fire Department was closed to the public. The meeting room, which was frequently used by groups, is no longer open. Only people with an appointment for official business are allowed in.

The city partnered with Ohio University Southern’s Electronic Media Department, The Ironton Tribune and Bear Media Services to provide citizens the most up to date information regarding the city as we continue to combat the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.

The city will continue to provide citizens with information through social media platforms via The Ironton City Government Facebook page.

You may also find up to date information pertaining to the city through The Ironton Tribune via Web, Facebook and daily newspaper print.

All Spectrum cable customers can find information 24/7 through Ohio University Southern’s Electronic Media Department’s Education Access channel on channel 376. Also included is  information pertaining to meals being provided to children by various individuals, businesses and groups, along with city/state policies that have been put in place.

“We encourage all citizens to utilize these resources for the most up to date information as we move forward in our community,” Cramblit said.