City working on COVID Disaster Relief Program for businesses
On May 19, newly elected Mayor Bill Foulds and City Council announced the formation of a committee to help create the “City’s COVID-19 Disaster Relief Program for Businesses,” a program aimed at helping local businesses affected by the coronavirus closures and quarantine measures.
“Our priority is the health and safety of Dripping Springs residents and our community,” Foulds said. “Along with that, a healthy business environment is crucial to the continued growth of our City. The Council and City Leaders have been closely monitoring the situation and want to do everything we can to support and provide relief for our local businesses that have been financially affected during this pandemic. We hope that this disaster relief program will help us do that.”
The “COVID-19 Disaster Relief Program for Businesses Committee” is composed of members of the City staff along with Susan Kimball, President of the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce.
City staff members of the committee are: Sarah Cole, Building Official & Utility Coordinator; Ginger Faught, Deputy City Administrator; Michelle Fischer, City Administrator; Gina Gillis, City Treasurer; Bonnie Humphrey, Emergency Management Commission Chair (and owner of BITwise Consulting); and Laura Mueller, City Attorney
The committee will look at various ways the City can help local businesses such as waiving various permit application fees, wastewater service fees, and other measures the City can take to provide relief.
The city press release stated, “The relief program will be for commercial businesses only, not for residents. However, the City Council believes the adoption of the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Program for Businesses will assist and stimulate the economic development of the city, helping both residents and businesses.”
Both business owners and residents are welcome to provide input and suggestions for the committee. Ideas and input can be sent to City of Dripping Springs Executive Assistant Kevin Campbell at [email protected] .
The committee will be reviewing options, ideas, and public suggestions over the next few weeks and will present their proposed “COVID-19 Disaster Relief Program for Businesses” to the City Council at the Council’s next meeting, on Tue. June 9. For more information on City government, visit http://www.cityofdrippingsprings.com .