Local Banks are Adjusting to the Shut Down

By Robin Gregg

The COVID-19 Pandemic caused the State of Missouri to shut down, but that doesn’t mean that the local banks has that option, other than locking their lobby doors. I checked in with Monroe County banks to see how they are adjusting and what services are still available to their customers since the shutdown began.

Regional Missouri Bank (RMB) continues to temporarily restrict lobby traffic at all branches, but is offering extended drive thru hours (7 AM to 7 PM Monday – Friday) at our Marceline Main, Salisbury and Downtown Moberly Branches. The branches in Keytesville, Glasgow and Paris have returned to their standard drive up hours. Bankers at the Paris Branch are available via phone and by appointment only for essential banking transactions from 8 to 4, Monday through Friday, and 9 to noon on Saturday. Customers are encouraged to utilize RMB's Online and Mobile Banking services. Jo Reynolds, Branch Manager at the Paris Branch stated, “Our customers have been very understanding of the temporary lobby closure during COVID-19 pandemic. We are still opening accounts and originating loans. Bank operations are running very smoothly! RMB values our customers and we’ll do our best to ensure their satisfaction.” Patrick Kussman, RMB President/CEO, stated “Our highest priorities are the health of our customers and the communities we serve, and the well-being of our staff. Regional Missouri Bank is strong and stable. We understand the concern and uncertainty that people may be experiencing. Rest assured; Regional Missouri Bank is well prepared, and our operations will continue to meet all your banking needs.”

Courtney Jones, TPNB Bank in Paris said, “We have great customers who have been really understanding to limiting transactions to the drive thru and night drop. Customers have been taking advantage of mobile deposit and utilizing our internet banking and our mobile app to check balances, transfer funds, make loan payments, pay their bills and so much more. We continue to be a full-service bank, and are finding new ways to complete various tasks to best accommodate our customers.”

Shane Spalding, Alliant Bank of Monroe City and Madison said, “We have been drive-up only since March 18 due to the coronavirus. For the most part, our customers have been unaffected. Most banking activities can be handled via drive up, mobile banking and telephone. People have been very understanding in these stressful times and our employees have been extremely conscience of good habits to minimize the risk of getting or spreading the virus. They have been hard-working and dependable through these times, which have seen unprecedented levels of activity due to government stimulus measures and near record-low mortgage interest rates. Unfortunately, some types of loans still have to be closed with a wet signature, so there is some personal proximity that is inevitable in the mortgage business. We have been as careful as we can to protect ourselves and our borrowers, while still providing them with all the banking services they need. They have extended us the same courtesies in return. Times have been stressful for everyone, but most people in Monroe County have proven to be compassionate and understanding. I am very proud of the efforts made by our employees in this stressful environment.”

Sheila Kendrick, Macon Atlanta State Bank in Monroe City said, “We are handling the situation as good as can be expected during these times, even with our lobby being closed. We are still able to offer all services; most are being completed through the drive up such as closing and new accounts. We can also close any account with electronic signatures. Darin Underhill, our lender is quite busy with the loans and taking appointments as necessary. Anyone that needs in their safe deposit box is also by appointment. Our ATM, mobile banking, on-line banking, and remote deposit is available 24/7 for customers. Our current customers as well as our new ones have been very patient and understanding of which is greatly appreciated. Our new bank is progressing nicely, as we look forward to serving our customers at our new location (across the street from the current location) this fall.”