Portions of Murphy City Hall reopen to public access

MURPHY (May 18, 2020) Portions of the Murphy City Hall Complex are now open to the public, with some offices allowing visitors under strict guidelines designed to ensure the safety of both visitors and employees.

                The City Hall Complex, 206 North Murphy Road, is home to City administrative offices, Customer Service which includes Utility Billing, Council Chambers, the Fire Department, the Police Department, Municipal Court, and Public Works. Across the street, the Murphy Municipal Center, the Murphy Activity Center, and the Murphy Animal Shelter occupy a portion of the west side of the block. Only portions of these offices are now accessible.

                Until further notice, the entrance lobbies of City Hall and the Police Department Headquarters will be open to the public. Customer Service, including Utility Billing, will be accessible as will Municipal Court and the Police Department.  

                Visitors will not need an appointment but will be required to make use of the provided hand sanitizer dispensers and maintain a six-foot distance between each other. Public access to internal office areas is not authorized. Body temperature will be recorded of all visitors, and only those with acceptable temperature ranges will be allowed entry. Questions regarding access to City Hall and the Police Headquarters can be directed to (972) 468-4000.

                City Council meetings will be held in Chambers as well as virtually via Zoom video conferencing. Public attendance at City Hall meetings will be governed by revised seating arrangements. Details on participation via Zoom are shared on the agendas published on http://www.murphytx.org/85/City-Council.

                At the Murphy Community Center, the public may participate in some selected programs and make customer service-related visits. Reservations for any portion of the center or its meeting rooms are not being granted and there is no open gym time scheduled.

                Program participants, instructors, and parents of participating minors will be required to undergo a body temperature check before entering the program’s location. Questions concerning the MCC along with the status of specific programs can be directed to (972) 468-4444. The Murphy Activity Center remains closed.

                The Animal Shelter lobby will be open during normal hours, with social distancing restrictions in place. 

                Meanwhile, the City’s parks and open spaces will remain open and accessible. Signs reminding visitors to maintain a distance of six feet from each other are posted and should be heeded. Group play is limited to 10 individuals per area and includes a requirement for appropriate distancing.

                Pavilion rentals are not being accepted at this time. Picnic table use should be limited to one household or no more than five individuals who arrive together. The splash pad and public restrooms are not open.

                Questions regarding parks and open spaces can be directed to (972) 468-4444.