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Paris council unanimously extends local COVID-19 disaster declaration for 30 days to mirror Lamar County
Summary
The Paris City Council voted unanimously March 26 to extend the city's local disaster declaration for public-health reasons for 30 days and incorporate Lamar County's declaration; councilmembers urged public cooperation and reliance on police discretion to enforce gathering limits.
The Paris City Council voted unanimously March 26 to extend a local disaster declaration for a public-health emergency for 30 days and incorporate the recently renewed Lamar County declaration.
The extension, moved by the mayor and seconded by Councilmember Portugal, was presented as a measure to align city policy with the county and to preserve flexibility for future action. The mayor said the original declaration he issued on March 19 was good for seven days and required council renewal to remain in effect.
The move to mirror the county was presented by city staff as an amendment that incorporates the county's declaration by reference; staff told the council the meeting packet included the county resolution as an exhibit.
Council members questioned enforcement and scope. Councilmember Hughes asked whether the large-gathering limits would be actively enforced; the mayor and city staff said the county's guidance is largely advisory but that the specific prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people carries misdemeanor penalties and is enforceable. City staff said police have been able to disperse crowds and that officers have received reasonable cooperation when they do so.
The mayor urged residents to limit trips and avoid bringing family to grocery stores, saying: "If at all possible, go by yourself. It's that fewer chances to be exposed." He also warned that certain one-on-one businesses such as hairdressers, barbers and tattoo artists may need to close if circumstances worsen.
Councilmember Clayton Pilgrim warned of limited medical resources nationally and locally, stating national ventilator counts are far below some worst-case projections; Pilgrim described personal contacts in New York who were hospitalized to emphasize the disease's severity.
The council recorded a roll-call vote after the motion; all members present voted "yes," and the mayor declared the motion unanimous.
The council directed staff to issue the identical order for the city to show consistency with the county. No changes to the order's enforcement provisions were specified at the meeting; council members said they expect to rely on police discretion and community cooperation as the situation develops.
