The Hood River City Council ratified the declaration of a State of Emergency that City Manager Rachel Fuller put in place earlier this week.  All City offices are now closed to the public, but operations continue and staff can be reached by phone, email, or online.  Public Works, Police, and Fire and EMS personnel remain on normal hours and availability while taking necessary precautions interacting with the public.  Water shut-offs and late payment fees, penalties, and interest is suspended.  Fuller told the Council it’s important they show up for those citizens that need help.  The emergency declaration is until April 14, but Fuller said that can be extended if needed.  The declaration allows the City to apply for state and federal funds to deal with the emergency as necessary.