For the foreseeable future, the City of Modesto Utility Billing Division will not be disconnecting water service for non-payment of your utility bill. We would like to reassure our customers that the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will not impact the delivery of reliable, clean water for our residents and businesses. 

At this time we are strongly encouraging our customers to use resources such as our online and phone payment options. The Utility Billing Division has representatives available by phone at (209) 577-5395 Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm to provide assistance with your utility bill, including activating new service, making payment arrangements, or requesting a payment extension.

City Services

All City services continue, but residents and businesses may experience a slower pace in response times.  We must operate safety within the orders from health officials, and therefore have many employees working remotely or in shifts.  Here are some specific examples:

• Call Center
  • The call center at 209-577-5200 is fully staffed and prepared for your questions about City services and operations.  Our average wait time has been 2 - 3 minutes.  

• Forestry

  • There will be delays in all tree-related activities, including pruning, with the exception of after-hours and emergency service. We are currently addressing hazardous or dead trees as a priority. 
  • We are drenching trees susceptible to the sticky Honeydew secretion, so residents should notice a corresponding improvement to this annoyance on their property this summer.

• Green Waste & Street Sweeping

  • Collection of green waste piles is running at 50% of normal staffing levels, so please bear with us as we run a bit behind schedule.  Do not hesitate to call if you notice any dangerous piles of organic debris: (209) 577-5463.
  • For the month of April, crews will not be able to pick up green waste as part of the normal routine unless there is an urgent need.  
  • Street sweeping crews are operating at 50% of normal staffing levels, so your street will likely not be swept when expected.  

• Traffic Operations & Engineering 

  • Traffic Signal Maintenance crews are out sanitizing pedestrian crossing push buttons. 
  • Street re-striping will occur upon emergency requests only at this time. 
  • Because of an overall decrease in vehicles throughout the City, we’ve noticed an increase in requests about stop delays at intersections without cars.  Due to the decrease in staffing, we cannot change timing at all City signals.  This means more staff time is given to the major corridors in an effort to keep the majority of the cars moving.  Because of the decreased volume of cars on the road, there may be an assumption that the signals may not be working right.

• Transit

  • Effective April 6 through May 3, 2020, Modesto Area Express (MAX) will be offering free fares on all fixed routes.
  • MAX is currently operating on a Saturday service schedule on weekdays until further notice.  Route 24 and 28 will operate on its regular schedule Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM. 
  • MAX to ACE Commuter Express will offer service to the ACE Train for ACE 1 in the morning and ACE 4 in the afternoon only.
  • MAX to BART will continue to operate its weekday schedule.
  • There are no changes to Modesto Area Dial-A-Ride (MADAR) service.
  • Please remember to travel for essential needs only. MAX appreciates your understanding and would like to emphasize our commitment to rider health and safety.
  • Employees are now routinely cleaning and sanitizing the transit center, Amtrak station, parking equipment, and bus shelters and benches.   

• Parks Operations & Maintenance

  • Our tagging abatement crew continues as normal throughout the City responding to tagging and graffiti.  
  • Parks remain closed, and park restrooms are now closed to deter vandalism.  

• Recreation

  • Although most of our programming as been cancelled or postponed for now, our recreation team is looking for creative ways to engage the community.  Be on the lookout for a fun Camp at Home activity on March 27, and get more information by going to their Facebook page.  

• Planning & Building

  • Planning is now accepting development and construction applications via mail or delivery (City Hall security can assist).
  • Building has implemented an electronic plan review format, which allows electronic submittals, checks and communication, so there is no reduction in the number of permits to be reviewed.

• Water Operations

  • All water and waste water services to and from our customers remain completely operational as normal.
  • Reduced staffing levels to half of normal, and response to customer requests may be slightly delayed.

While City Hall is closed to the public, the community can still access City services through this website or the main call line: (209) 577-5200.  Several specific services and corresponding phone numbers are listed below:

Resources for Modesto businesses

Click here for the Economic Development page of COVID-19 related guides and assistance.

You can apply for a business license by using the application online and by email.

Businesses can continue to make tax payments online at, if you any issues or questions we are available by phone at (209) 577-5389 or email.

The City of Modesto has extended the deadline for any Business License Collection notice or Business License Citation to April 17, 2020. As always you can contact our office at (209) 577-5389.

Vendors

The City appreciates the dedication and extra effort in ensuring deliveries are met for essential items and parts to keep our operations functioning. The City will continue to issue payments to our vendors for the goods and services provided to the City during this closure. All checks will be mailed and will be unavailable for pick-up at City Hall.

The following City meetings have been cancelled until further notice:

Board of Zoning Adjustment

Board of Building Appeals

Golf Advisory Committee

Airport Advisory Committee

Charter Review Committee