Mask ordinance extended through June

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

A mask ordinance for Marion first passed in July and extended in August will stay in effect through June 30.

Mayor Dave Mayfield, who opposed the August extension because he thought an extension through Dec. 31 was too long, voted in favor of the ordinance.

The council’s vote for the extension was unanimous.

Two possible ordinances were presented: one extending the ordinance 90 days and another extending the ordinance 180 days.

Councilman Susan Gray asked the details of a Nov. 20 county commission vote requiring masks, and city administrator Roger Holter said they had voted not to oppose a governor’s order requiring the wearing of masks.

Gray then wondered whether 180 days was too long to extend the order, but voted in favor despite her misgivings.

Marion’s ordinance requires masks to be worn when in line and waiting to enter indoor public spaces; getting health care services; waiting for or riding public transportation or ride-sharing vehicles; and when unable to maintain a six foot distance outdoors.

Businesses are required to make employees and customers wear masks whenever employees are working in a space visited by members of the public; and wherever food is being prepared.

The order made exceptions for homes, private offices, the hearing impaired, and children younger than 5.

Hillsboro and Goessel also have mask ordinances.

Hillsboro’s mask ordinance, complete with fines for non-compliance, sets fines of $25, $50, or $100 for noncompliance and is in effect through Jan. 26.

Under its terms, the owner of a business where employees don’t wear masks can be fined, too.

Mayor Lou Thurston said when the ordinance was passed that the city needed its own ordinance because the governor’s order had no enforcement clause.

That made the county’s resolution “no better than what we had before,” Thurston said.

Hillsboro had earlier passed a resolution encouraging people to wear masks, not an ordinance requiring them to wear masks.

Goessel also passed a mask ordinance that is set to expire Jan. 31.