Statement from City Manager Brooks Williams: COVID-19

Statement from City Manager Brooks Williams:

There is a great deal of information about COVID-19 that is circulating. The City of Ferris is in close contact with Governor’s Office and Ellis County Emergency Management and is committed to using one voice with our government partners. Our local health authority (LHA) has not recommended the cancellation of events, but has advised that each event should receive consideration around whether the event is a necessity or luxury. But, do know that if they do recommend action, such as cancellations, the City of Ferris will back and enforce that decision as needed. The decision to host events, as of today, is at the discretion of the entity that is hosting and/or organizing the event.

The City of Ferris will be taking steps to protect our employees and is committed to continuing to support the private sector to proceed as normal, up to the point of the direction of the LHA.

With that, the City will be taking steps to mitigate the risk to employees and citizens by implementing a 4-day work week at all City Facilities, beginning on March 16, 2020. The Police Department and Fire Department will maintain their current shift schedules and no impact to essential services will occur. Hours of operation for City Facilities, excluding the Library will be 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Monday- Thursday). The Library will be open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (Monday - Thursday).

There are benefits beyond this risk mitigation that the City will track and quantify through data analysis, such as: decreased number of sick days used, increased operational efficiency, increased employee morale, and a decrease in operational costs.

Should you have any questions, please contact the City Manager’s Office.