BROOKINGS – Brookings County and the City of Brookings have jointly made the decision to close all city and county facilities and offices, as well as county- or city-operated businesses and organizations, to the public from noon Wednesday, March 18, to 8 a.m. Monday, April 6.
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Updated 1:30 p.m. March 18
BROOKINGS – As of Tuesday, no positive cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) had been identified in Brookings County.
However, as a precautionary measure based on CDC recommendations of social distancing, Brookings County and the City of Brookings have jointly made the decision to close all city and county facilities and offices, as well as county- or city-operated businesses and organizations to the public.
The intention of this closure is precautionary out of consideration for the safety and health of Brookings County residents.
The closure will take effect at noon today, Wednesday, March 18. The current plan is to reopen to the public at 8 a.m. Monday, April 6. However, this date is subject to change based on a reevaluation of current circumstances and conditions.
The county and city will continue to operate and provide services to the community. Citizens are being asked to contact departments and offices via phone, email, and by utilizing online services.
Visit the county website at www.brookingscountysd.gov, and the city website at www.cityofbrookings.org for contact information. City of Brookings residents can also utilize Engage Brookings, which is available on the City of Brookings website and by mobile app.
Officials are aware that vehicle registration tags may lapse during this time. Area law enforcement will not be actively ticketing for expired tags for the next several weeks to provide citizens with extra time to renew their tags.
“The county and city want to thank community members for their understanding and patience during this time as we work through this together. Our primary concern is for the safety and health of Brookings citizens and employees as we continue to monitor the quickly changing aspects of the coronavirus pandemic,” a press release from the city and county says.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Will I still have garbage and recycling service at my home?
A: Yes. City of Brookings garbage and recycling collection will continue as usual. The landfill will be closed for dumping.
Q: What if it snows? Will the streets still be cleared?
A: Yes. All city-operated facilities and offices will be closing to the public, but regular city operations will still be happening. Contact city offices by phone, email, and www.engagebrookings.com.
Q: Will the liquor store be closing?
A: Yes. All city-operated facilities and offices will be closing to the public.
Q: What about emergencies? Will the police station and Fire Department still be responding?
A: Yes. The Brookings Police Department and Brookings Fire Department are still fully operational with all services are available.
Currently, doors to the Brooking Police Department will remain locked as they are on evenings and weekends. Citizens coming to the PD for police services will first communicate with dispatch over the intercom to determine if their request can be handled via phone call. If so, they will be directed to call the PD and will they will then be connected with an officer.
If the purpose of the citizen’s visit is determined to require face-to-face contact with an officer, dispatch will ask some screening questions. If it is decided that a meeting will move forward, officers will then meet the citizen in the front entryway and either take the report there or bring them into the conference room if needed.
City of Brookings department, contact information
The city will continue to operate and provide services to the community. As of right now, contact each department by phone or email to submit applications, make payments, etc. and utilize online services. We are also encouraging the public to use our new Engage Brookings App and website to make requests and to contact departments. It is available through the app stores and by visiting the City of Brookings website, www.cityofbrookings.org.
This public closure includes the following City Offices/Departments/Locations and Businesses, including All City offices located in the City/County Building located at 520 Third St., The Swiftel Center, and the Brookings Municipal Liquor Store.
The Brookings Public Library is closed to the public. The Library has also suspended all Library-sponsored programs, classes and events. The Library has a variety of online services that can be accessed by visiting www.brookingslibrary.org.
Contact the Brookings Public Library: (605) 692-9407
Website Link: www.brookingslibrary.org
Offices will be closed to the public – the department is available via phone or email.
The Brookings Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department has suspended all recreation activities and has closed all City of Brookings recreation facilities. This includes the Brookings Activity Center, Larson Ice Center, Dakota Nature Park, and other park facilities. The cancellation of activities includes all scheduled youth, adult, and senior programs.
The Brookings Parks and Recreation Department has also suspended activities housed inside district facilities until further notice. This includes open gym and swim at Brookings High School and Court rentals and coed volleyball at 5th Street Gym.|
Contact the Brookings Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department: (605) 692-2708
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/204/Parks-Recreation-Forestry
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/brookingsparkandrec/
Offices will be closed to the public – the department is available via phone or email.
Contact the City Clerk’s Office: (605) 697-8641
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/149/City-Clerk
The Brookings Airport offices will be closed to the public – the Airport is available via phone or email. The Airport will still be open and operational.
Contact the Brookings Airport: (605) 697-8664
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/223/Airport
Offices will be closed to the public – the department is available via phone or email.
Please continue to submit permit applications electronically. Rental inspections have temporarily been suspended. Code enforcement operations will continue.
Contact the Community Development Office: (605) 692-6629
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/130/Community-Development
Offices will be closed to the public – Department will still be issuing building permits, following all codes, performing building inspections, and responding to inquiries. Please continue Engineering Department business via phone or email.
Contact the Brookings Engineering office: (605) 692-6629
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/208/Engineering
Offices closed to the public. The Finance Department will continue operations, including payment of invoices, billing, and W2, 1099 forms. Please contact the Finance Department via phone or email.
Contact the Brookings Finance office: (605) 692-6281
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/200/Finance-Department
Until further notice: Public access to the Brookings Police Department will be restricted - all services are available. The Department is asking for individuals to please call ahead to (605) 692-2113 when possible to see if needs can be handled via phone.
Currently, doors to the Brooking Police Department will remain locked as they are on evenings and weekends. Citizens coming to the PD for police services will first communicate with dispatch over the intercom to determine if their request can be handled via phone call. If so, they will be directed to call the PD and will they will then be connected with an officer.
If the purpose of the citizens’ visit is determined to require face-to-face contact with an officer, dispatch will ask some screening questions. If it is decided that a meeting will move forward, officers will then meet the citizen in the front entryway and either take the report there or bring them into the conference room if needed.
At this time please pay for parking tickets using the drop box for payments made with cash or check by phone, or go online to pay with credit card.
Contact the Brookings Police Department: (605) 692-2113
For Emergencies: dial 911
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/205/Police-Department
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/Brookings-Police-Department-SD-1006258532765262/
The Brookings Fire Department offices will be closed to the public. The Brookings Fire Department will continue to operate and to be available for emergency situations.
Contact the Brookings Fire Department: (605) 692-6323
For fire/emergencies: dial 911
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/231/Fire-Department
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/Brookings-Fire-Department-128238337211813/
The Brookings Landfill will be closed to the public for drop-offs at this time. Curbside Garbage and Recycling Pickup will continue as usual.
Contact the Brookings Landfill: (605) 693-3667
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/254/Landfill
The Brookings Municipal Liquor Store will be closed to the public during this time.
Note: Local businesses purchase their liquor directly from liquor distributors. This closure will not affect the availability of alcohol to local businesses and eating and drinking establishments.
Contact the Brookings Municipal Liquor Store: (605) 692-5613
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/266/Liquor-Store
Brookings Street Department offices will be closed to the public. However, crews will continue to maintain city streets.
Contact the Brookings Street Department: (605) 692-2016
Website Link: http://cityofbrookings.org/273/Street-Department
The Swiftel Center will be closed to the public during this time. Please visit the Swiftel Center website for more info.
Contact the Swiftel Center: (605) 692-7539
Please visit Website: www.swiftelcenter.com for updates.
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/swiftelcenter/
