Although the public hearing on the consent decree is postponed for now, and “non-essential” meetings will be put off, the Council of Commissioners will still meet as scheduled Wednesday night, he said. That’s because council action is needed on some measures, including budget authorizations.

He did encourage citizens to watch the proceedings via livestream and pay water bills or vehicle fees by mail or online, but said the courthouse would remain open, for now at least.

“We are still planning on everyone coming to work but we are trying to limit contact with the public as much as possible,” he said. “It will be a day-to-day decision on how far we go. If the virus spreads, we may have to take other steps.”

For the time being, Palmer said, penalties for late payment of water bills will be waived and there will be a grace period before any shutoffs are made.

The county is taking up to $127,000 from reserves on an emergency basis to help with expenses in responding to the situation, money it hopes to get back through federal aid.