“Longview City Council recognizes the difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic is creating for small local businesses. Several retailers in the area have suffered business restrictions and closings, ”the resolution reads.
Sacha said, “Given the amount of pain and suffering (businesses) dealing with COVID-19 today and this year, and many of the restrictions placed on the entire community, this is a step that will provide additional help . “
He said the city will include a letter when they send out tax returns in the last week of December to notify eligible businesses of the existing exemption.
Wallis said, “We will be able to bless some companies that are really having problems, and that is what this is about us. We want to help our citizens. “
The council approved changes to the 2019-2020 budget totaling around $ 2.9 million, some of which reflect additional federal funding due to COVID-19.
The Community Development Block Grant Fund was increased by approximately USD 427,000. Criminal Justice Assistance Fund for $ 291,000; Capital Projects Fund of approximately $ 716,000; Plumbing fund of $ 245,000; Equipment Rental Reserve Fund of $ 705,000; Facility Maintenance Fund of $ 291,000; Unemployment Compensation Fund of $ 100,000; and the Employee Benefits Reserve Fund of $ 95,000.