COVID advisories for Center, Saguache


SAGUACHE COUNTY — Small towns like Center and Saguache have their own set of issues to deal with during the COVID virus crisis and in addition, both towns will hold their municipal elections April 7, a situation especially problematic for Saguache.
Saguache Town Clerk Iris Garcia says that the town’s offices are currently closed but residents can reach the town by email or phone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for payments, questions and maintenance issues. Employees are alternating shifts to protect staff members in compliance with the directives for distancing handed down by the state.
Saguache’s April 7 election poses a problem, Garcia explained, because the town has scheduled a polling place election versus mail-in ballots and the state has not yet given permission to postpone the election. “We are asking people to apply for absentee ballots,” she said. “We never do mail-in ballots, but we have to protect our people.” To receive a mail ballot, call Garcia at 655-2232.
Center Town Administrator Brian Lujan says their April 7 election will proceed as usual, since the town is holding an all-mail ballot election. Mail ballots will be collected at the post office or residents can drop their ballots off at the ballot box in front of town hall. All ballots then will be “put up for safe keeping” until April 7, Lujan commented.
The town has gone to essential staff only and town offices are closed to the public. Residents still can pay their bills and conduct business by accessing the town’s walk-up window on the north side of the building from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling 754-3497. The town is trying to limit employee contact by alternating shifts, Lujan said, and is following the governor’s directives.
“But not everyone is obeying the precautions of under 10 people and six-foot distancing,” Lujan noted, explaining that people still meet daily in front of the post office to collect their mail. That will have to be addressed, he said. People could alternately collect their mail every two or three days or even in the evenings, he pointed out, because the post office lobby is still open then.
Lujan encouraged Center citizens “to help the elderly, be model neighbors. Limit your grocery shopping to once a week, and if you are feeling sick, stay home. That is how we will contain this virus.” Those who have symptoms should also call their health care provider and arrange to be tested, he added.