St. Charles declares local state of emergency

The St. Charles city council has declared a local state of emergency and granted emergency authority to Mayor Ray Rogina as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Aldermen held a special meeting Wednesday to approve an ordinance establishing the temporary executive powers, which will be in effect until April 6. The city council will then decide whether to extend the authority.

The declaration allows St. Charles to potentially receive federal and state disaster funding, while also giving the city flexibility in making decisions to maintain essential services, officials said in a news release.

Additional information can be found on the city's website at www.stcharlesil.gov.