Rathdrum affirms emergency declaration

The Rathdrum City Council affirmed an emergency declaration for the city of Rathdrum Thursday evening.

On Tuesday, Rathdrum Mayor Vic Holmes declared a state of emergency to enable the city to take all reasonable steps to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Without city council affirmation, the declaration would have expired seven days after being signed.

The decision came in coordination with state and county emergency declarations.

Leon Duce, Rathdrum city administrator, said that any activities the city undergoes to mitigate the spread of the virus will be reimbursed up to 90% because of the emergency declaration.

While the city plans to leave City Hall open to the public for the time being, efforts are currently underway to provide virtual access to council meetings and public hearings.

Rathdrum residents are encouraged to pay their bills online, over the phone with a credit card, or in the drop box outside City Hall.

Council member Darrell Rickard felt the city should consider closing its doors to the public.

“Any way we can take precautions would be the best way,” Rickard said.

The city plans to reduce fees for utility shutoffs and late fees for bills, to accommodate residents who may be out of work due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“At this point, we are taking it one step at a time,” Duce said.

Rathdrum was among four cities, including Coeur d’Alene, Hayden and Post Falls, to adopt an emergency declaration this week.