The COVID-19 pandemic impact on Salisbury Township makes it anything but business as usual in municipal government.

The township buildings are closed and most township public meetings are canceled through mid-April.

According to Salisbury Township Manager Cathy Bonaskiewich, in a statement, updated March 20 on the township website:

“In response to the rapidly changing news regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Salisbury Township is temporarily modifying some of the ways business is conducted.

“Township offices were closed to the public “in order to limit personal contact,” effective March 17.

Township staff are available during business hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday by phone or email to answer questions and conduct routine business.

The township office phone number is 610-797-4000. The general email is info@salisburytownshippa.org.

In-person payment of utility bills will not be accepted. Payments must be mailed in the envelope provided with the bill or via the online bill payment platform on the township’s website at: https://www.salisburytownshippa.org/township-government/departments/finance/pay-your- utility-bill-online.

For assistance with online bill paying, call 484-661-5815 or 610-797-4000.

In-person payment of tax bills will not be accepted. Payments of township taxes must be mailed to the address indicated on the tax bill: Linda J. Minger, 2900 S. Pike Ave., Allentown, 18103.

To contact the tax collector, call 610-871-0252 or email lminger@salisburysd.org.

The township’s Devonshire and Franko yard waste drop-off sites are closed until further notice.

The township will not accept park pavilion reservation or ballfield permit requests until further notice. Pavilion reservations already made are subject to change.

While township parks are open for walking and leisure, use of park facilities and equipment or conducting organized activities is discouraged in adherence to social-distancing guidelines.

In response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s order issued March 19, the township’s third-party inspection agency, CodeMaster-Barry Isett & Associates, Inc., is ceasing operations effective March 20.

Because of the governor’s order and CodeMaster-Barry Isett & Associates, Inc.’s closure, the township will not accept permit applications until further notice.

For information, call the township community development department staff at 484-661-5825 or 484- 661-5812.

Trash and recycling curbside service will be collected as scheduled.

The township Public Works Department, including the highway and utility division, will continue its work unless and until it becomes necessary to revise or amend the services as more information regarding COVID-19 becomes available.

The Salisbury Township Police Department has issued guidance on the department’s plan of action and procedure for addressing non-emergency calls. For information, visit https://salisburypolice.org.

Public meetings

Salisbury Township public meetings are canceled until April 15, with the exception of the April 9 board of commissioners meeting, which is subject to change.