Mayor provides update on Cranston's COVID-19 response

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Editor's note: Mayor Allan Fung issued the following notice on Thursday, March 12, regarding the city's COVID-19 response. Stay with the Herald for additional updates as they become available.

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The city is in constant contact with the Governor’s office and the Department of Health concerning COVID-19 and doing everything we can to make our public buildings as safe as possible for everyone.  In light of the recent recommendations announced by the Governor, our city departments are adjusting accordingly.  The state has NOT made any recommendations to close businesses, schools, libraries or public buildings in its entirety at this time.  We are open but making various cancellations and adjustments within each particular department.  We will continue to work with the state and provide you with the most up to date information.  Please continue to visit our city website (www.cranstonri.com) for up to date information and program cancellations. Below are the list of cancellations to date.

Fire Department: The swearing in and promotion ceremony on March 27 has been postponed.

Senior Center: Here is a list of what has been cancelled and what will remain open. For additional information, please call the center at 780-6000.

  •  We are suspending until further notice all activities and programs (including but not limited to Pool, Hi Lo Jack, Chess, Aerobics, Smile Doll as well as Bone Builders, Matter of Balance, and other health related programs).
  • We are also suspending until further notice all major events and have cancelled the 90+ Celebration Breakfast.
  • The Gift Shop and New Hope Art Gallery will be closed.
  • We will still be open as a meal site so we plan on serving our regular continental breakfast and lunch for those seniors who come to the center.
  •  Adult Day Services will still be operational and provide normal services.
  •  The Trans Van Program will run normal operations and will still provide special trips to doctor’s offices or hairdressers.
  •  The Social Services Department will see clients by appointment only.

Cranston Public Library: Here is a list of the programs that they have cancelled over the next two weeks. People can stay up to date by checking the events calendar at www.cranstonlibrary.org.

  • 3/17  - The Cranston ArtsFest reception at the Central Library. Although the reception is cancelled, the artwork will still be on full display and can be viewed during normal library hours through the end of March.
  • 3/18 – PlayCentral at the Central Library
  • 3/19 – AARP Tax Aide at the Central Library
  • 3/21 – Nature Systems in Your Backyard at the Central Library.
  • All book groups that were scheduled for the next two weeks at Central Library, the Auburn Branch as well as William Hall.

Tax Collections: The city implemented in 2017 an online tax payment and electronic billing system called Invoice Cloud that offers greater flexibility for paying tax bills. The system has been well received by the taxpayers who have commented on its ease of navigation.  During this time when some residents and business owners may be leery of frequenting public venues including coming in to City Hall to pay their taxes, the City’s online system is a great option for our taxpayers.

The Invoice Cloud program employs strong security measures including double encryption and secure servers.  All of the financial information is protected and confidential and no information is shared with any third parties. Residents can receive and view bills electronically and make payments on line, by phone, or by text with a credit/debit card or bank account. The following fees do apply: a 2.95 % service fee for all credit and debit card payments, an electronic check payment fee of 60 cents ($0.60), or a pay by phone 24/7 service fee of 95 cents ($0.95) to each payment.

For more information please go to the City of Cranston website (www.cranstonri.com) and click on Tax Collections for a link to all of the on line and electronic payment options.

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