Municipal workers across Missouri were celebrated this week for keeping essential services operating during the COVID-19 emergency.
Various organizations and agencies have come together to urge citizens to pay tribute to those workers keeping people "safe, clean water flowing; the lights on; meetings open via online tools; meal services and remote learning for students; and consistent customer service."
Local government week is held every year to celebrate municipal workers, including first responders, but under even more pressure in these unusual times because of forced lay offs, Dan Ross, executive director of the Missouri Municipal League, told the St. Louis Record, adding that services are being maintained despite loss of revenues.
"They are taking steps to provide critical services," Ross added.
During the pandemic, local government has been at the front lines. Their guidance, quick adjustments, flexibility and creativity have kept our communities operating, the league said.
“Local government is always closest to the people, and now more than ever is finding new ways to serve under the most unusual circumstances," Ross said. “The dedicated officials and local government employees are doing everything they can to keep your community running smoothly, especially during this ongoing challenge.”
Ross noted that various municipalities have reacted in different ways to the crisis, while residents have responded.
In Columbia, the city is providing additional homeless shelters and providing other services to the population
A "cheer committee" of people who are writing notes to seniors to try and make them less isolated was organized in St. Peters, where residents have also created ‘thank you’ messages, including colorful signs on trash cans for collectors.
Cities have been setting up city council zoom meetings, and other online tools for citizens to ask questions and address citizen needs, accordng to the municipal league,while libraries are holding virtual events and story times.
Recreation centers are organizing virtual exercise classes, while story trails are popping in various parts of the state.
"Cities are also looking at how they can participate in recovery, to bring vibrancy back to communities in the future wake of the pandemic," the municipal league said.
"Public works crews are out keeping up with potholes, other street maintenance and repair, mowing and other projects that keep citizens safe and communities healthy and running well."