City hall meetings resume

Anyone wanting to attend a Green River City Council meeting in person will be able to do so starting with the Council’s meeting next week.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Council decided to host its meetings virtually when COVID-19 infection rates began to spike in Sweetwater County. Prior to that, meetings were hosted at City Hall, with Council representatives and spectators being socially distanced.

“I think everybody prefers face-to-face,” Mayor Pete Rust said. “I think it’ll be OK.”

Rust said the decision wasn’t influenced by loosened guidelines from the state, saying the Council doesn’t feel as threatened by COVID-19. The general trend of infection numbers, as well as the availability of vaccines resulted in the Council deciding to meet in person.

“Just because we’re going back doesn’t mean we’re abandoning protections,” Rust said.

He said the Council will continue to wear masks while meeting and Council Chambers will be targeted with heightened sanitation efforts. He said while people may get comfortable because of a downward trend in infections, he recommends residents to continue observing various health guidelines, including continued use or masks to limit infections.

The Sweetwater County Commissioners resumed in-person meetings last month after a renovation project funded by CARES Act pandemic-response money allowed for an overhaul of the commissioners’ meeting room, allowing for a more socially distanced gathering and better meeting equipment.