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Coronavirus

Show All Answers

1. Are there any changes to refuse and recycle collection?

At this time refuse and recycle collection will remain the same. View the Refuse/Recycling/Yard Waste pages for more information. 

2. Can I flush toilet paper replacement products or disinfectant wipes?

No, don’t flush anything except toilet paper down the toilet. Even wipes or products marketed as “flushable” do not break down correctly in the collections system and can cause sewer backups in your home or neighborhood. To learn  about preventing sewer backups visit the Preventing Sewer Backups page.

3. How can I buy a Fire Burning Permit?

You can purchase a burning permit via our On-Line Services. Or you can locate a Burning Permit Application on our website and email or mail it to the Fire Department. You can email or call 320-650-3500 if you have questions. 

4. How can I get green refuse bags?

All retail locations listed on the City’s Refuse Collection page still provide green bags for pick-up. Several of the grocery locations where bags are sold also offer delivery or curbside pick up – please call your retailer for more information.

5. How can I pay my bill?

You can pay your bill in our On-Line Services under Pay For.

6. I have sewer odor within my home, what do I do?

If you smell a sewer odor inside your home, check your drains. Often drains will have water inside them, which creates a barrier that prevents odors from entering your home. If the drain is dry for some reason, there is no barrier for the smell to enter your home. To fix this, put water down all your drains. Make sure to check drains in your basement or laundry rooms as well. See Prevent Sewer Odors.

7. I recently received a letter from Ferguson Waterworks. Do I still need to schedule a water meter replacement?

Yes, Ferguson Waterworks is scheduling water meter replacement appointments again. Ferguson continues to follow CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidance and works closely with St. Cloud Public Utilities to ensure all required preventive steps are being followed. Effective immediately, Ferguson has implemented the following safety measures as it relates to interacting with customers during installation:

• Install associates will not enter a home or business where there is a sick individual present.
• Protective face masks, hand sanitizer and gloves will be worn by install associates while in your home.
• Install associates will follow a step-by-step guide on the disinfection of vehicles between appointments.
• Ferguson associates will maintain the six-feet minimum for social distancing; this means they will not shake hands. While questions and interest in the process is appreciated and welcomed, please allow associates six feet of space to perform the required installation.
• Ferguson have implemented a policy to reduce the use of shared phones, desks, offices, or other tools and equipment when possible. Tools and equipment needed for installations are disinfected between visits.
• Installation customers will no longer be required to sign for the work completed. A new proof-of-installation process that does not require a signature has been implemented.

Learn more at our Water Meter Upgrade Page.

8. I recently received my special assessment bills, how can I pay them?

You can make payment in person at City Hall, mail a check to City Hall, or drop payment in the City Hall black drop box on the east side of the building. Please include the yellow slips that you received along with your check so that the City knows which property to apply the payment to. View the Special Assessments page for more information.

9. Is it safe to fly yet?

While it’s true the Coronavirus situation is ever-changing, the CDC is staying on top of best practices for safe traveling during this time. Wear a mask, practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others, and wash your hands regularly. View the St. Cloud Regional Airport website for more information. You can also view their FAQ’s. 

What is Allegiant doing to help keep me safe? What are their policies?

View Allegiant Airlines Safety Protocol to learn about the steps Allegiant is taking to protect everyone’s health and safety.

10. Is my water at risk of being turned off for non-payment?

No, all water shut-offs due to non-payment have been suspended until further notice. View the Utility Billing page for information on how to pay your bill. 

11. Is my water safe to drink?

St. Cloud’s Drinking Water treatment process has always, and will continue to remove and destroy viruses and bacteria. Drinking water is safe to drink during the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more about Drinking Water Treatment process on the Water Treatment Process page. 

12. Is the Airport open? What flights are available?

Yes, the Airport is open! Visit the St. Cloud Regional Airport to learn about flights and be sure to check out their FAQ’s page. 

13. Is the city still doing Building Safety inspections?

Yes, the Building Safety Department is still performing building/plumbing/HVAC/electrical inspections. You can view the Building Safety pages for more information. View Building Safety’s COVID-19 Building Department Updates page. 

14. What are acceptable and non-acceptable items for a Special Pick-Up?

The city offers special pickups for disposal of large items such as couches, recliners, mattresses, box springs, carpeting, tables, lumber, etc. To view acceptable and non-acceptable items and how it works view the Special Pick-Up page.

15. What are current scams for COVID-19?

Visit the FCC’s COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips to learn about current COVID-19 scams. View the IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments page for Stimulus Check information. 

View the St. Cloud Police Department’s COVID-19 Scam Information page.  

16. What information should businesses and workers know?

Visit the COVID-19 Business Resource page for the Latest Resources for Employers and Employees. 

• If you are experiencing personal hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact the resources at Stearns County
• If you are experiencing business hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact these COVID-19 Business Resources and call Economic Development Department at 320-650-3111.

17. What is my sewer responsibility?

Customers are responsible for their service lines out to the City’ sewer main line. Blockages in these lines are the responsibility of the property owner. Please view Can I flush toilet paper replacement products or disinfectant wipes? Visit the Sanitary Sewer Related Information page to learn more!

18. What streets are closed?

You can find out what streets are closed in St. Cloud by visiting StCloudParking.com.

19. When should I renew my liquor license?

Send in your application now so we can process without a lapse in your license renewal.

Will my annual on-sale license fee be pro-rated?

Yes, we will present the renewals to the City Council at a pro-rated amount. The pro-rated amount will be determined by the length of time the Governor’s order requires your establishment to be closed to on-premise liquor sales.

Should I return my renewal fee with my application?

No, we will figure out the pro-rate amount when the applications go before the Council; once that is determined, we will send you an invoice for the annual fee.

Please contact the City Clerk with your questions or for more information. 

20. When and how will my Stimulus Check arrive?

Please visit the IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments page to learn more about the Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks). 

21. Where can I learn more information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

St. Cloud, Minnesota and National news and FAQ information can be found on the Coronavirus Information Page. This page includes the Stearns County and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Hotlines for questions about Coronavirus. 

22. Why are you cleaning sewers right now, is that essential?

It is essential to clean and maintain the collection system to prevent blockages, keep wastewater flowing to the treatment facility and maintain public health. Recently, the collections system have seen an increase in wipes, paper towels, rags and other non-flushable items, requiring an increase in system maintenance and cleaning. Please view Can I flush paper replacement products or disinfectant wipes?. To learn more about the St. Cloud Sanitary Sewer System visit the Collection System and Sanitary Sewer Related Information pages.