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By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Mayor Stancil Handley and the Columbiana City Council on March 17 declared a local state of emergency for Columbiana in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The measure, in accordance with state law, authorizes the city administration to make emergency purchases, prohibit price gouging and implement a curfew, if necessary.

It also helps to ensure the city is eligible for financial assistance as steps are taken to address the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The local state of emergency took effect Tuesday, March 17, and will continue through Tuesday, March 24.

In a March 16 press release, the city announced temporary closures and changes in services related to the pandemic, including the following:

• All city entertainment venues have suspended services and will be reevaluated April 16.
• All trolley services are suspended.
• For parks and recreation, all organized sports events are suspended.
• The city’s fire and police departments will continue operations as usual.
• City Hall will remain open, but will have limited access for inquiries, payments and general information.
• All court dates are postponed until April 28, but payments may still be made at City Hall.
• The public library will have limited access through the side door, but computers will not be available for use.
• The senior center has canceled all trips, and the building is closed. The center will continue to provide nutrition services through home delivery.
• For streets and maintenance, the garbage pickup schedule will remain the same.
• The Shelby County Arts Center has postponed Black Box Theater events in March and April. The building will be closed through March 29.