City of Valdosta Issues December 30 COVID-19 Update on Services and Facilities

The local Department of Health stated that on December 30, 2020, stating in the last two weeks, our 10 county district COVID-19 positivity has increased from 15 to 27 percent. Until further notice, all city facilities will be closed to the public beginning on January 1, 2021. This includes Municipal Court, City Hall, Utilities, Public Works, the City Hall Annex, and Mathis Auditorium. 

Consistent with guidance on limiting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, we ask you to please communicate with our staff over the telephone and online. Visit the City’s website at valdostacity.com for information on services, forms, or other items you need. Staff email addresses are also available online to conduct business via email.

The lobby of the Customer Service Department is closed. We ask citizens to pay at the drive-through, over the phone, at the dropbox in the Customer Service parking lot, or through the website. Customer Service has placed signs on their doors asking customers to use the drive-thru. We also have a walk-up window located on the Northside of the building for assistance with new sign-ups for utility services and business and liquor licenses. Customer Service can be reached by phone at 229-259-3510 or email [email protected].

Sign-ups and Disconnects are being handled through the drive-thru 1 or can be sent to our email utilitybill@valdostacity.com. We ask the customer to use drive-thru 1 to pick-up information, ask questions, and fill out sign-up or disconnect forms. Once filled out, park in the parking lot, and we will call you once the account has been set up to pay.

Drive-thru 2 is for payments only. We are taking credit cards and not requiring the bill for payments.

You can keep up to date with the City of Valdosta by following us on social media via Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitter, or Instagram.

Valdosta City Council Meeting
Thursday, January 21, 2021
 5:30 pm 
Council Chambers

* As a reminder, all city buildings are still closed to the public. However, the City Council Meeting will be available to view via Livestream on the City of Valdosta’s Facebook Page and website.

For more information, please contact Teresa S. Bolden, City Clerk, at 259-3503 or E-mail - [email protected].

Valdosta Police Department sees a decrease in crime rates in 2020

Statistics show that the Valdosta Police Department responded to more calls for service in 2020, but Valdosta's crime rate declined significantly compared to previous years. According to the Valdosta Police Department, crime is down more than 20% for part one crimes, including violent and property crimes.

Property crimes are usually crimes of opportunity—for example, incidents where an individual sees valuables left inside cars, like a phone or purse. The City of Valdosta saw a significant drop in property crimes. In 2020, burglaries were down by more than 70 cases as compared to 2019 numbers.

Police Chief Leslie Manahan credits the decrease to the pandemic in which many people worked remote and sheltered in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"I think a lot of it had to do with the pandemic, people staying home. I think that helped out a lot," said Manahan.

The decrease can also be attributed to the police department educating the public on preventing these crimes from happening and when to report suspicious activity. Chief Manahan also credits the public to make it harder for individuals to commit these crimes.

"We can't be everywhere we need to be at one time, but people have been taking preventative steps, like setting up alarm and camera systems at their homes now," said Chief Manahan. "Citizens are coming forward and reporting things to us. We see much more community engagement than in previous years."

Although the Police Department also felt the pandemic's impacts, Chief Manahan was proud of the department's accomplishment in 2020.

"I think it says a lot for our community; our department felt the effects of the pandemic, as did everyone else. We had officers that were out, whether it be childcare or health issues. These annual stats show that our officers did an excellent job this year, not letting anything get in the way. They still came to work, did their jobs, and helped prevent crime," said Manahan.

According to Chief Manahan, the community and neighborhood watch systems help create a good dialogue between the community and police. "When people see something in the area where they work and live that sticks out to them as being odd if they call the police department and allow us to investigate it, a lot of times we're putting ends to crimes before they even start."

Homicide rates did increase by a total of ten in 2020. The clearance rate for these cases remains high; with arrests made and six cases solved, two cases are near being closed. Although homicides are usually cases that cannot be prevented, the Valdosta Police Department ensures the public that they work to solve them and bring justice.

"We are consistently clearing cases way above the national average. Valdosta is a great place to live and work. Crime does not take the spotlight here. Valdosta continues year after year to be a safe community," said Chief Manahan.

If you have any questions, please contact the Valdosta Police Department at 229-242-2606.

MASK UP VALDOSTA

Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson launched a ‘Mask Up Valdosta’ campaign on Thursday encouraging Valdosta residents to wear face-coverings in public as a safeguard to slow the spread of COVID-19. This voluntary mask campaign is done in full support of Governor Kemp’s "Wear a Mask" Flyaround Tour of Georgia held earlier this month.

“We want to keep our economy open and ensure our healthcare system has the capacity to treat all patients who need medical care,” said Mayor Matheson. “My mask protects you and your mask protects me. Together, we all can stop the spread of COVID – 19.”

Health experts recommend that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

To practice social or physical distancing:

• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people

• Do not gather in groups

• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. Face coverings can be more than just masks. Scarfs, bandanas, etc. will also serve the purpose. Wearing a cloth face-covering limits the spread of germs. Residents should wash their cloth face coverings every day.

Residents are encouraged to take photos wearing their face covering and share via social media using the hashtag #MaskUpValdosta.

“We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. Let’s all do our part to protect one another!” said Matheson.