COVID-19 Resources

(updated 6/20/2020)

The City of Lock Haven is following public health advice to take precautionary measure to limit the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS-CoV-2).  Balancing health and well-being with public service, the City strongly recommends social distancing as one of the most important tools to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.  Below is some guidance for members of the public when interacting with City facilities and employees to consider as this national public health emergency develops.

Can I come to City Hall?  City Hall is open with a single entry at the front double glass doors (those who need to may use the elevator on the street level and take it to the first floor).  At the entry, guests will need to wear a mask, undergo a “no touch” temperature check, and disinfect their hands.  Those with appointments may then proceed to the office in which they have an appointment.  Those wishing to make payments may place the payment in the lock box in the entryway (you will not be able to make your payment at the counter in the Treasurer’s Office).  If you are unable to wear a mask because of medical reasons, an accommodation will be made for you through email, US mail or other electronic means. City Hall will be open for appointments from 8:30-12:00 and 1:00-4:30.

Do I still need to pay my water/sewer bill or parking ticket by the due date?  Yes.  In order to limit exposure to both our customers and our employees, the City strongly encourages the use of online payment options for water/sewer bills and for parking tickets, and email for all other requests.  If you are not able to use online resources, we would encourage using US mail to submit your payment to limit potential exposure for both yourself and our employees.

What if I can’t pay my water/sewer bill in full or on time?  Contact the utility billing office as soon as possible to arrange a payment plan by emailing utilities@lockhavenpa.gov to discuss payment options.  Beginning July 1, 2020, the city will begin charging penalty fees and interest on the unpaid water & sewer bills.  If you have unpaid balances on your water & sewer bill, you are strongly encouraged to SET UP A PAYMENT PLAN NOW.  Keep in mind, the city already paid for the water you used and for treating the sewer so your bill is reimbursing the city for these costs.  So arranging for a payment plan can help to keep you on track before you get too far behind.

Do I still have to pay my real estate taxes?  Yes.  Real estate taxes are due as stated on your bill.  Please keep in mind that the city uses these funds to pay our vendors, many of which are small businesses and local businesses who need paid for their goods and services so that they can take care of their families too.  City taxes also pay the electric bill to keep street lights on, traffic lights functioning and pay the dedicated first-responders still reporting to work to keep us safe. 

How do I report a public works issue?  A small crew of Public Works employees have been assigned to cover each week.  With this limited crew, the public should expect a reduction in response time to non-emergency public works concerns.  The City strongly encourages the use of our smartphone MyCivic app “Lock Haven City” to submit requests for service (like potholes or streetlights) or to use email for requests.  This app is available in both Android and Apple stores for free download.  As always, if you have a water or sewer leak, customers are requested to call the County Communications Center at 570-748-2936.

Can I visit other City buildings?  City employees have been directed to only permit current employees, approved subcontractors and emergency services to access the Department of Public Works operations center at 99 Second Avenue and at the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 20 S Hanna Street.  Visitors will be received at these locations by appointment only.  To arrange an appointment, call (570) 893-5917.  Those with business at the Piper Memorial Airport are requested to use the same recommendation of social distancing and those using the facility for essential travel and work are encouraged to follow the Centers for Disease Control and PA Department of Health guidelines of how to prevent illness while traveling.

Will City Council meet?  At this time, City Council has postponed its regular in-person meetings.  In order to limit exposure to both members of the public and the City’s elected officials and employees, members of the public interested in the proceedings of City Council who do not have comments are encouraged to watch the meetings online live through our streaming service.  Members of the public who do have comments they wish to share with City Council can always do so via email.  The email addresses of members of City Council and administrative staff are available on our website directory.  Under the Emergency declaration, Council is enabled to meet by video conference to addressing pressing business that cannot wait.

Will committees meet?  All meetings of authorities, boards, committees and encouraged to meet through video conference where able.  If an authority, board or committee needs to meet in-person, they must do so by abiding by social distancing, wearing masks and disinfecting hands and other shared surfaces.  A maximum of 15 participants may safely be in Council Chambers at one time.

Can I still go to the parks? We recommend that all residents avoid public spaces, but if you choose to go to the park, only green spaces will be open.  All play equipment and courts are locked and are not to be used by the public.    As always, maintain social distancing  (6 ft apart) at all times in any public space, including parks, and restrict activity to fewer than 25 people in any park at one time.

Do I have to make my Commercial Loan or Sidewalk Loan payment?  As part of their efforts to make accommodations to those economically effected by the COVID-19 emergency, City Council has voted to waive all late fees for the City’s Commercial Loans and Sidewalk Improvement Loans.  With the payments of March, April, May and June having been deferred, the first payment due is July 2020 which will represent the March payment.

Information about the City’s Declaration of Emergency:

View the May 4, 2020 Proclamation of the declaration of the extension of the State of Emergency for the City of Lock Haven.

View the April 1, 2020 Proclamation of the declaration of the extension of the State of Emergency for the City of Lock Haven.

View the March 18, 2020 Proclamation of the declaration of a State of Emergency for the City of Lock Haven.

View the April 20, 2020 Resolution providing temporary additional compensation for essential and life-sustaining city employees

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health is responsible for infectious disease emergency planning and response in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to try to identify possible cases and work to prevent the spread.

The best way to reduce your risk of becoming infected with, or spreading, COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) is to practice good hygiene:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Try to stay away from people who are visibly sick
  • Everyone should always cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or the crook of their elbow; wash your hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth
  • People who are sick should stay home from work or school until they are well

COVID-19 Relief Program for ASO Customers

The City has been notified of the following agreement with Highmark which is available to the City residents. Under this temporary program, cost-sharing associated with physician-ordered diagnostic testing for novel coronavirus will be waived for all fully insured members. Highmark will also default all members, including High Deductible Health Plan members, as recipients of this cost-sharing relief.

For helpful tips and to stay up-to-date on the latest information,
visit pa.gov or readypa.gov.

You can also find information at the following links:

PA COVID-19 Update Archive