DeKalb, Sycamore City Hall offices closed to general public until further notice amid COVID-19 surge

DeKALB – DeKalb city officials confirmed in a Monday news release City Hall offices will be closed to the public until further notice.

According to a recent social media post, City Hall will conduct in person business by appointment only. The doors will remain locked and a staff member will allow entry once contacted by phone, per the post. Masks are required to enter a building.

"Thank you for your understanding and patience as the City pursues community containment of COVID-19," city officials wrote in a Monday news release. "Please continue to follow the guidance of state and federal health officials and to seek information from reputable sources."

DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas wrote in a Monday email the closure is "mainly precautionary," saying the city had similar closures last spring.

Utility customers are encouraged to pay their bills through the city's website cityofdekalb.com, by calling 1-855-573-6009, by mailing a check or money order to 164 E. Lincoln Highway or dropping off the check or money order in the City Hall drop box on South Second Street, according to the news release from the city.

The city's community development department will still process plan review and building permit requests for commercial and residential purposes. Building permit applications also are available on the city's website and, for more information, applicants can call 1-815-748-2070 with additional questions.

Administrative hearings are scheduled for Dec. 21 and Dec. 28 at the DeKalb Police Department, 700 W. Lincoln Highway. Seating will be spread out for social distancing purposes and masks are required. For those not wishing to appear in person, call 1-815-748-2093 to set up a remote hearing via phone, according to the news release.

The candidate filing period for the April 6 consolidated election is Dec. 14 through Dec. 21, excluding the weekend. Part of City Hall will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on those dates for candidate petition filing only, according to the release.

Sycamore City Manager Brian Gregory wrote in a Monday email Sycamore city buildings also are under limited access to the general public, meaning the outer doors are locked.

"Residents and visitors are encouraged to call and make an appointment or will be served with limited in person interaction at the Sycamore Center," Gregory wrote.