The towns of Pierrepont, Parishville, Stockholm and Potsdam are closing their town halls for most business, but have made arrangements to keep certain services available.

The closings are in response to state orders and health officials’ advice to limit where they can reduce opportunities for spreading COVID-19.

Town of Potsdam

Although the Potsdam Town Hall is closed to the public, all offices at 18 Elm Street are conducting business to assist residents, according to Supervisor Ann Carvill.

The vestibule at the front of the Town Hall is open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Carvill said. Contact information and instructions are available from each office. Supplies are available for people to transact business, including a drop box at the front of the building and a basket inside the vestibule for items too large for the drop-box. Those with questions may call: Supervisor , 315-265-4310; Town Clerk, 315-265-3430; Assessor, 315-265-2810; Code Officer, 315-265-0670; and Highway Dept., 315-265-3470.

“Everything is subject to change, so check our website for updates at www.potsdamny.us,” Carvi,l said.

Meanwhile, in news of Potsdam Town Court, the supervisor said Justice Samuel Charleson reported that he received clarification on protocols to be followed by the Town Courthouse in light of the coronavirus. The Office of Court Administration has ordered that as of Monday, March 16, “we will be postponing all non-essential functions of the courts until further notice.” At this point, the Potsdam Town Court is closed. The public will be apprised of a re-opening date when it is known.

Carvill said she has been notified by state authorities that court employees will be paid, atough she has not received official notice of that yet.

Town of Parishville

By order of the Town Board, the Town of Parishville has shut down all non-essential activity, according to Supervisor Rodney Votra.

Town offices will be closed to the public and all business will be conducted via phone, email and or regular mail. Phone (315) 265-2131 or email tcparishville@yahoo.com for more info.

Highway Department employees will not be required to report to work unless directed by the Highway Supervisor, and will only be called in for essential services (plowing, road clearing, etc.). Phone (315) 265-6832 or email stevehartparishvilletown@yahoo.com for info.

The park will remain closed until further notice. Employees will only report to work at the request of the Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Woods and with approval from the Town Supervisor/Deputy Supervisor. Phone (315) 265-8308 or email pvillewater@yahoo.com for info.

The Code Enforcement and Assessor’s Office will operate via phone and email from home; town offices will be closed until further notice. Phone (315) 265-2131 or email burlieman@gmail.com for info.

The Town Court will be closed until further notice. Anyone needing to address the Court can do so by phone or email. Phone (315) 265-2131 (ext. 226) or email lgale@nycourts.gov for info.

The Transfer Station will operate as usual. We ask patrons, please do not congregate or engage with the attendant unnecessarily. This will help alleviate the chances of contamination through personal contact.

The regular Town Board meeting scheduled for March 24 will be held in closed session. Board members only will meet to approve payment of necessary bills and discuss continued steps regarding the current shut down. All other business will be tabled until the town returns to business as usual.

Votra says the town is working with a very small group of concerned citizens in an effort to prepare for the possibility of enhanced preventative action in regards the Coronavirus. “In doing so, we are interested in gathering a list of residents that may be at higher risk and in need of assistance. If you are aware of residents in need of assistance, you can contact the Town Supervisor’s office at (315) 265-2131 extension 2 or the Town Clerk’s office at (315) 265-2131 extension 1 and leave a message that includes your name and phone number. Someone from the Town Board will return your call and assist you.”

“The Town Board asks that all residents exercise caution and practice preventative measures as suggested by Public Health and the CDC. We are hopeful that this pandemic will pass in a timely fashion and the Town will be able to resume business as usual,” Votra said.

Town of Stockholm

The Town of Stockholm has issued this advisory:

The Town of Stockholm Supervisor is hereby declaring a State of Emergency in the Town of Stockholm effective at noon today, March 17, 2020 and continuing in effect for a period not to exceed (30) days and ending at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 4:00 PM.

The State of Emergency has been declared due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus/COVID-19. Such conditions threaten the public safety of the citizens of the Town of Stockholm.

In an effort to safeguard Stockholm residents and town employees, the Courthouse and Town Hall will be closed to the public effective today at noon.

Town employees will report to work to answer calls from members of the public. Payments and documents can be sent via US Mail or dropped in our drop box located outside the Town Hall building. Tax payments due on March 31, 2020 should be sent via US Mail or dropped in our drop box.

Town officials are keeping in contact with the St. Lawrence County Health Department as this matter progresses.

Town of Pierrepont

Pierrepont Town Clerk Melanie Thomas advises that Town Of Pierrepont Offices are closed to the public by order of the town board until further notice. There is a drop box for documents in the entry of the building. For questions, call the Thoams at 315-386-8311 or the supervisor’s office at 315-379-0415.