April 8, 2020: Update on COVID-19 and City Services
A message from Mayor Paul Brodeur
I want to thank everyone in Melrose for the efforts they have been making to slow the spread of COVID-19 and update you on a few things that people have been asking about.
As you should know by now, Melrose is under an emergency advisory asking people to stay home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., to stay home as much as possible during the rest of the day, and to cover their face and nose with a mask when they do go out. We have updated our COVID-19 page with new information, and I suggest you check it out.
Many folks have been out working in your yards, and my office has gotten many inquiries about yard waste pickups. Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to postpone yard waste pickups for the time being. The City Yard will also remain closed. We did not make this decision lightly; it is a matter of health and safety. We will put the word out when pickups will begin again.
I also want you to know that, while we still appreciate prompt payments, we have extended the deadlines for real estate, personal property, and excise taxes until June 1. Deadlines for water and sewer bills due in April and May have been extended for 30 days. Additionally, please be advised no interest or added fees will be added to any bills issued after 3/10/2020 provided they are paid prior to 6/30/2020.
You can pay your City of Melrose bills online, mail them to the address on the bill, or put them in the gray drop-box in the alley between City Hall and the Post Office. If you have questions about your taxes, please e-mail Collectors@cityofmelrose.org or call 781-979-4120 and leave a message. Our staff is working remotely but they are checking e-mails and messages.
Some of you are saying that you haven’t been getting our phone alerts. You can sign up on our website, but if you know someone who isn’t computer-savvy and needs help, have them call my office at 781-979-4479 and my assistant Brigid will be happy to help them.
Also, I’d like to remind you that if you want to view a city meeting, you can find remote viewing links and information at the Remote Meetings tab on the City of Melrose website. Agendas are posted at the Meetings Agenda Portal, and you can view past meetings at the View Meetings Online tab.
I am very grateful for the way that this community has pulled together, and I’m not the only one. Here’s a video made by our Melrose High School students and faculty talking about the people they are grateful for:
Thank you, and stay safe!