Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Last updated 4/7/2020 at 8:30 am. Disclaimer: information on this page is subject to frequent change.

Previous Court Decisions Reversed Regarding Absentee Ballots

Per a U.S. Supreme Court ruling issued on April 6, absentee ballots must be either postmarked on or before April 7, or dropped off and received by the close of polls (8:00 p.m.) on Election Day.

Deadline to Request An Absentee Ballot by Mail Extended to April 3 at 5:00 pm

Per a federal court ruling issued on April 2, the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail has been extended to Friday, April 3 at 5:00 p.m.  The same ruling also extended the date that ballots must be returned from April 7 to April 13 at 4:00 p.m. Updates will be posted as needed.

Polling Places Will Be Consolidated for April 7 Election: All Voters Need to Vote at Monona Community Center

Due to a shortage of poll workers, all Monona voters who wish to vote on Election Day will vote at only one polling location, the Monona Community Center, 1011 Nichols Road.  Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m on April 7.

Dane County Announces Small Business Pandemic Support Grant Program

On April 1st, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced a new small business pandemic support grant program for those businesses affected by COVID-19. For more information on the program, please click link for the press release.

City to Provide Essential Services Only per Governor’s "Safer at Home" Order

Beginning at 8:00AM on Wednesday, March 25, in response to Wisconsin Department of Health Services Emergency Order #12 (the “Safer at Home Order”), the City of Monona will modify certain services and limit access to City facilities to protect the health of City employees and the public. The following modifications will be in place until April 24 or until Emergency Order #12 is either revoked or superseded:

  • All police, fire and ambulance services will continue, and the City’s 911 dispatch center remains open. However, the police and fire departments are closed to all outside visitors. Residents should call 222-0463 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergencies.
  • The Spring Election (April 7th) is proceeding as scheduled. City Hall remains open for  the purpose of in-person absentee voting and voter registration only. Voters can still enter the building to vote absentee or register to vote until 5:00 p.m. on April 3 but must maintain proper social distancing (6 ft distance) while in the building. All voters who are able to request an absentee ballot online at myvote.wi.gov are strongly encouraged to do so, to reduce the number of individuals within the building.
  • City Hall maintains business hours by phone at (608) 222-2525, but all other in-person services will be unavailable, including pet licenses, permits, bus passes, walk-in utility payments, and municipal court in-person payments.
    • City staff can be contacted via email with questions about city services, such as those listed above and others. Please note that our response times to your questions and inquiries may be impacted by staff members responding to essential service requests during this time.
    • Residents with utility payments should drop them in the outside drop box located in the City Hall parking lot rather than entering the City Hall lobby.
    • Building inspection personnel will not maintain in-person office hours. You may reach them by phone or email. Building inspections in residences will only be done on a case-by-case basis, if it can be conducted with proper social distancing protocol.
  • The City is following Emergency Order #11, regarding suspension of certain Public Service Commission administrative rules for water and sewer utilities. This includes:
    • Waiving any payment late fees during this Order.
    • Temporarily suspending any utility disconnections, other than those needed for safety reasons.
    • Providing a budget payment plan to customers on a case-by-case basis.
    • Individuals with questions regarding utility billing during this time should call (608) 222-2525.
  • City of Monona park spaces remain open with limitations.
    • All playgrounds, shelters, restrooms, concession stands, tennis courts, and the skate park are closed, per the Emergency Order.
    • Park users must maintain social distance and not engage in contact sports like basketball, football, and soccer.
    • The Monona Dog Park remains open, but users must maintain social distance. If demand for the park is high and social distancing at the park is not possible, the park may be closed at a future date.
  • Trash and recycling collection, brush collection, and leaf collection will continue as scheduled, subject to change by our contractors if necessary. View information regarding schedules for pick-up dates and times here. The yard waste drop- off site will open on March 27. City staff urges residents to continue to practice proper social distancing, even when working in their yards.
  • The Library, Senior Center, Parks & Recreation, Community Center, and Afterschool Program remain closed, per the Emergency Order.
    • Individuals with library books are asked to hold onto them until such time that it is safe for the Library to reopen.
  • Residents are encouraged to continue to respond to the 2020 Census forms that are currently being distributed via the US Postal Service. Please note that although you may not be able to select Monona as your municipality, your information is properly  credited to Monona, not Madison. Your unique Census ID is assigned to your residence and identifies you as a Monona resident.

“We ask that every resident, business owner, and visitor to Monona take the “Safer at Home” Order and social distancing guidelines seriously,” said Monona Mayor Mary O’ Connor, “We are working diligently to continue to provide essential city services, while protecting everyone’s health and safety.” “Please keep an eye on your neighborhoods and friends during this challenging time,” she added.

Please click link for an FAQ from the Office of the Governor on Emergency Order #12

Please Stay Off the RiverRink Skating Rink

Ice skating at the Monona Bank RiverRink is closed for the season.  Please do not skate on the rink.

Large Item Trash Collection Suspended

Trash collection continues as scheduled. However, Advanced Disposal has suspended its large item/bulky item pickups in Monona until further notice.  Only trash and recycling which are in the City’s provided containers will be collected.

Governor Issues Emergency Order Regarding Utility Bill Practices

Read the Order

Over the weekend, Gov. Tony Evers issued Emergency Order #11, suspending several utility-related administrative rules, which among other things, prohibits municipal utilities from imposing fees on customers for late payments. The order makes the following changes:

1. Stop utility disconnection for nonpayment for all customers, including commercial, industrial, and farm accounts. Previously this applied to residential accounts only;

2. Cease assessing late fees to customer accounts;

3. Halt the practice of requiring deposits from customers for re-connection of service;

4. Allow deferred payment agreements for all customers who request them;

5. Remove any administrative barriers for customers establishing or reestablishing utility service; and

6. Authorize water utilities to provide budget billing arrangements to customers. Electric and natural gas utilities are allowed to do this under current rules.

The City of Monona will provide more guidance on what, if any, changes the order makes to our current utility billing practice once we have additional information. For any questions, please contact 608-222-2525.

City of Monona Declares Local State of Emergency

Read the Resolution

Governor Issues Emergency Order Prohibiting Gatherings of 10 or More

Read the order

April 7 Election Will Be Held as Scheduled

The April 7 election has not been postponed.  Voters who do not wish to come to the polls on election day are encouraged to request that an absentee ballot be mailed to them.  The best way to request a ballot is at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/VoteAbsentee. In-person absentee voting (early voting) is also available at City Hall, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Friday, April 3.  Extended hours are available on Wednesday, March 25 and Wednesday, April 1 (8:00 am-7:00 pm) and on Saturday, March 28 (8:00 am-noon).

Closings and Cancellations

  • Monona Grove schools closed.
  • Monona Library closed.  Due dates are extended.  Do not return books until the library reopens.
  • Monona Senior Center closed. This includes AARP tax clinics.
  • All Parks & Recreation programs and classes cancelled.  Those with questions can email mrcdirector@ci.monona.wi.us
  • Monona Afterschool Program closed.
  • Municipal Court cancelled through April.  Contact the Court Clerk at (608) 216-7422 or trobinson@ci.monona.wi.us.
  • Monona Community Center closed until further notice. All scheduled meetings, groups, or reservations cancelled.
  • Monona Fire Station closed to the public for tours, public education events, and blood pressure checks. All fire inspections postponed. Call 9-1-1 for all emergencies.  For non-emergencies, call Monona Dispatch at (608) 222-0463.

This page will serve as a landing spot for any current updates or information as the City receives it from Dane County Public Health or other authorities.  Up-to-date information is also available on the City’s radio station, WVMO, 98.7 FM.  To sign up for City of Monona Alerts, go to https://www.mymonona.com/list.aspx. 

Small Business Resources

Madison Gas & Electric (MG&E) Customer Information

Information from MG&E regarding their response to COVID-19:

We have been thinking about our community during this public health emergency, and I wanted to provide you with information from MGE that may be useful to you, your organization, and the people we serve together.

  • Letter from CEO, Jeff Keebler, explaining the need to temporarily close our walk-in lobby at our office while continuing to serve customers and our continued response to gas and electric emergencies to ensure public safety. 
  • Bill payment options 
  • Due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 public health emergency, MGE will not be disconnecting customer services.
  • “Demand Payment” Scams. MGE has received reports of active scams as recently as last week. These scammers are impersonating MGE over the phone and demanding immediate payment and threatening utility disconnection. 

MGE appreciates our customers’ understanding as we collectively navigate our community’s and our nation’s response to COVID-19. This is a rapidly changing situation, so please continue to check our website and social media for further information. (www.mge.com and www.facebook.com/madisongasandelectric)

If you have questions, MGE customer service representatives are available to help at 608-252-7222.

Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund Announcement


As Dane County faces one of the biggest public health crises in its history -- businesses reducing workforce or closing leaving some without incomes, school closings leaving parents searching for childcare, food and housing services bracing for new complexities in their work, and health care workers preparing for a spike in patients -- leaders in our community are taking action.

Today United Way of Dane County, Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Selfless Ambition and other area organizations announced a collaborative effort to provide financial relief for those hit hardest by the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. Community members and businesses have already raised more than $885,500 for the Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund.

Funds will be split into two approaches:
1. Short-term emergency, focused on individual and families’ immediate needs. This fund is operated by Boys & Girls Club and Selfless Ambition and fundraising closes on March 20. Grant decisions will be made by May 15 and will be directed to:
• Medical supplies for those impacted by this virus
• Meals for kids due to school closures
• Local shelters as they assist families and individuals
• College students in need of temporary housing and meals
• Senior citizens in need of meals, transportation and medical assistance
• Hardship funding for nonprofits for individuals and families
2. Long-term response and recovery, focused on providing resources to nonprofits, individuals and families. This fund is operated by United Way of Dane County and will remain open for the foreseeable future. This fund is focused on:
• Food/meals for older adults and children
• Eviction prevention
• Homelessness prevention
• Flex fund (flexible dollars to respond to other crises that individuals, families or nonprofits experience)
Long-term recovery needs will continue to be assessed as more data about the impact of the crisis become available. No administrative costs are being charged for either fund. An independent group of community, business and grassroots leaders will determine disbursements. More information can be found here.

We are grateful for the support of the hundreds of donors and businesses who have contributed to the fund so far. Lead gifts to the combined effort include the following:
• $100,000 – Dan and Patti Rashke TASC Family Foundation
• $100,000 – Madison Gas & Electric Foundation
• $100,000 – UW Credit Union
• $75,000 – Ascendium Education Group
• $50,000 – Kevin and Shelia Conroy
• $50,000 – Bob and Anne Trunzo
• $50,000 – Jim and Jessica Yehle
• $50,000 – John and Jo Ellen McKenzie
• $50,000 – American Family Insurance
• $50,000 – UW Health, UnityPoint Health – Meriter and Quartz
• $50,000 – Madison Teachers Inc.
• $42,500 – Alliant Energy
• $30,000 – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison, UnityPoint Health – Meriter and UW Health
• $25,000 – GE Healthcare
• $25,000 – Meicher Family Foundation
• $38,000 – from individuals and families in gifts of all sizes
United Way of Dane County is also actively recruiting volunteers to assist in COVID-19-related efforts. At Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s request, we are working to connect any healthy person willing to help agencies with volunteer power and material donations, for example volunteer matching EPIC employees with Meals on Wheels or TASC employees donating masks to Porchlight. Volunteerism priorities are:
• Food delivery
• Childcare for emergency care workers
• Temporary housing and food pantry staffing support
• Temporary housing and food pantry donations
Help now with safe volunteer opportunities and material donation needs specific to COVID-19 relief at www.volunteeryourtime.org.

We are committed to the care of our community and each other, and we always emerge stronger than before. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All.

To make a gift to the Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund, visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/help4covid or text “help4covid” to 40403.

Know the Facts:    

CDC Facts about COVID-19

                                Dane County Public Health Resources and Information about COVID-19

                                Dane County Public Coronavirus Update Line – (608) 243-0587

Monona Grove School District Coronavirus Information and Resource Page

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Wisconsin COVID-19 Information Website

FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control

As part of our emergency planning function, the Dane County Public Health Department develops and maintains plans to address situations like this. The City of Monona remains in contact with Dane County Public Health and other emergency management agencies to coordinate our planning efforts. At this point, our main focus is providing situational awareness to our residents and visitors and ensuring correct and timely information is distributed as widely as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and Monona

  • Question: Is the City of Monona cancelling events and meetings?
    • Answer:  At present, all events and programs at the Monona Public Library, Monona Community Center, Monona Senior Center, and Monona Parks & Recreation are cancelled, and those buildings are closed to the public.  Public meetings will held as determined on a case-by-case basis. If you serve on a City committee or are interested in attending a city meeting, please check our City Meetings calendar on the homepage to see if the meeting will be held, cancelled, or rescheduled.
  • Question: Can I still vote for the April 7 election?
  • Question: Can I take my kids to our public parks and playgrounds? updated 3/24/20
    • Answer:  Per the Governor’s Safer at Home Order, effective March 25, all playgrounds, shelters, restrooms, concession stands, tennis courts, and the skate park are closed.  Parks themselves are not closed, but park users must maintain social distance and not engage in contact sports like basketball, football, and soccer. The Monona Dog Park remains open, but users must maintain social distance. If demand for the park is high and social distancing at the park is not possible, the park will need to be closed.
  • What can I do to prevent the spread and protect myself from COVID-19?
    • Answer:  Follow Dane County Public Health and CDC guidelines for good personal health habits.
      • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
      • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
      • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
      • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
      • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue
      • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g. tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles, computers, phones, etc.) using a regular household detergent and water.