The city of San Marcos has extended closures of public facilities through Jan. 31 as a result of rising COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations in San Marcos and Hays County, a Jan. 6 press release stated.

“Each day, as we evaluate the current pandemic trends for San Marcos, we are seeing daily new case rates that rival what we saw in June and July,” Director of Public Safety Chase Stapp said. “Additionally, December has seen more Hays County residents die from complications related to COVID-19 than any other month, so we want to be extra cautious for our residents and staff.”

The closures, which began Dec. 28, 2020, and do not include the city's parks and green spaces, were enacted in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus to city staff after the holidays, an earlier press release said.

Closed facilities include the City Hall complex, San Marcos Activity Center, San Marcos Animal Shelter, San Marcos Municipal Court, San Marcos Public Library, Grant Harris Building, San Marcos Tourist Information Center, San Marcos Discovery Center, and utility billing counters at the San Marcos Municipal Building and the San Marcos Electric Utility Office.

City staff will continue to be available by phone and email during typical work hours. More information is available on the city's website.


“We expected to see our local numbers rise after the recent holiday season, but it’s time for us to work together to reduce and change this trend,” Stapp said. “Please continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands frequently and observe all recommended CDC guidelines to lower our case counts and hospitalizations.”

Utilities

Utility customers may email, call 512-393-8383 or go to the city's utility website for assistance or to make payment arrangements. Drive-thru windows at the San Marcos Municipal Building and the San Marcos Electric Utility Office will remain open on weekdays between 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Animal services


Emergency animal services are available through the San Marcos Police Department's non-emergency phone line at 512-753-2108. Information about shelter operations will be posted online.

Public Library

The San Marcos Public Library's curbside service will be available Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 1-6 p.m. The library's catalog is viewable on its website, and items may be reserved online, by email or by calling 512-393-8200. Wi-Fi will also be accessible from the facility's parking lot.