OPELIKA, Ala. – The City of Opelika has determined that due to the COVID-19 situation, all city buildings will be closed through April 5, 2020, as of 6 p.m. today, March 20. Departments will continue to serve the public online, by phone or email throughout this time. Signs will be posted on the doors of all buildings with contact information and the city website will continue to share information at www.opelika-al.gov/COVID19. The city will reevaluate the situation by April 5.
The city plans to maintain continuity of services during this timeframe. Essential services like police, fire, power, solid waste and waste water are prepared and taking measures to make sure staff are practicing safe social distancing. Other departments are still working to maintain all projects at the moment, but that is subject to change at any time.
BUSINESS RELIEF: In addition, effective immediately, the City of Opelika is extending relief to businesses unable to pay their February, March, and April 2020 sales, use, lodging, rental and leasing tax liabilities. While businesses must still file their City of Opelika sales, use, lodging, rental and leasing taxes through normal practices by the 20th day of each month, penalties for late payments will be waived through June 1, 2020.
“We know our businesses are going to be impacted and we are doing all we can to help them during this challenging time. In addition, we are taking all precautions to make sure our employees and the public are safe and maintain healthy work environments. We are dividing staff so that some can work from home. In most cases, we are forwarding calls to these employees to ensure the public can still have questions and concerns answered. We appreciate your patience and cooperation,” said Mayor Gary Fuller.
Here are several important things to know about various city services:
Revenue:
· Please see attached information regarding business license applications and renewals. This document explains how you can apply or renew for a business license and provides details about filing your business taxes. Accounting:
· The city will continue paying bills during this time. Please call the Accounting Department should you have any questions about invoices or payment.
City Employees:
· The City of Opelika is first and foremost committed to taking care of our employees. Employees will be paid during this time. We are also in the process of working on childcare for our employees. More to come on this soon.
Opelika Sportsplex:
· The Sportsplex will freeze membership during this time. We will not draft membership dues until further notice.
· All Parks & Recreation Easter events have been cancelled.
· Opelika Track & Field has been cancelled for the remainder of the season.
Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library:
· During this time, all due dates will be extended to April 6, 2020 and library staff ask that you keep your materials at home. Many services, including digital books, digital audiobooks, digital magazines, database research and more can be accessed through the library's website: www.cooperlibrary.com.
· Staff are available to help you with access over the phone at 334-705-5380 or by email at library@opelika-al.gov.
· Video tutorials are available to help you access these resources on the library's website and social media pages.
· All events and programs have been cancelled through April 15. We will reschedule events for future dates as we are able.
See below listing of department phone numbers that will be used during this time period. For more information or to set up a media interview with a department head, please contact Community Relations Officer Leigh G. Krehling at 334-705-5136.
PHONE NUMBERS TO USE DURING THE COVID-19 EVENT
Accounting: 334-705-5181
Administration: 334-705-5150
Building Inspection: 334-705-5420, 334-705-5427
City Attorney: 334-705-2075
City Clerk: 344-705-5110
Economic Development: 334-705-5115
Engineering: 334-705-5450
Environmental Services: 334-705-5480
ESG/Public Works: 334-705-5400
Fire Department: 334-705-5300
Human Resources: 334-705-5130
Lewis Cooper Memorial Jr. Memorial Library: 334-705-5380
Municipal Court:334-705-5196
Opelika Power Services: 334-7055570
Opelika Police Department: 334-705-5200
Parks and Recreation: 334-705-5560
Planning: 334-705-5166
Probation Office: 334-705-5198
Purchasing: 334-705-5120, 334-705-5126
Revenue: 334-705-5160, 334-705-5162
Attention Business Owners:
*Business License*
In an effort to practice social distancing and protect the health and safety of the Opelika community, the City of Opelika Revenue Department is not currently receiving walk in customers. We encourage new applications and renewals for business licenses now be filed using the following methods: · Email applications (new and renewals) to revenue@opelika-al.gov
· Payment may be made by two methods: 1. Mail to P.O. Box 390 Opelika, AL 36803 2. Online at https://www.officialpayments.com
(Below are instructions for online payment)
Below is information that includes instructions on how to renew online for your City of Opelika business license.
1. SIGN UP – CUSTOMER CREATES OWN ACCOUNT & PASSWORD
2. CLICK ON LOCAL PAYMENTS Make A Payment
3. SELECT - STATE: ALABAMA
PAYMENT ENTITY: Opelika, City of Revenue Department
PAYMENT TYPE: Business License
4. CLICK ON “MAKE A PAYMENT” AND CONTINUE THE FOLLOWING
PAYMENT’S NAME: Your company’s name
LICENSE # 9999999
YEAR: 20 5. Email copy of confirmation to revenue@opelika-al.gov
Please note that applications are still subject to review upon approval and issuance of a business license and business cannot operate until full approval has been obtained.
*Taxes*
Businesses must still file occupational, liquor, wine and gas taxes by regularly scheduled due dates. This may be done by emailing forms to revenue@opelika-al.gov.
· For assistance, we are available to assist over the phone at 334-705-5160/334-705-5162 or by email at revenue@opelika-al.gov.