I hope this finds all of you well. All of this has to be causing so many emotions for people. From the students who are missing friends and school to seniors that don’t know what graduation looks like, to the business owners and families. This is all pretty crazy right now.
I wish I had a magic wand that I could wave that would make this all go away, but as you know, that is not going to happen. I know you have heard it over and over and over again, the things we are all to be doing. I am not going to say them again. I just ask that everyone stay the course. Remain diligent for awhile longer. Ackley..... we can do this!
I have been doing my best to keep you informed of everything that I can and trying to get any and all resources out to you as soon as I can. I have listed some of them below. The Small Business Relief grant only came out this week and it has a very short window to apply....so please don’t hesitate or put it off if you are needing assistance from business loss at this time.
We have decide to go a step further in helping the citizens of Ackley.
Starting with the April utility bill - we are waiving all late fees until further notice. Water will not be shut off on utility accounts for non-payment nor will any related shut-off fees be charged. BUT - when we determine that this will no longer be in effect, any past due utility bills will need to be paid over the next 2 months. You will also be responsible to pay any current utility bills on time. Any current utility bills will accrue late fees and be subject to shut offs. If you have questions on this, feel free to call city hall at 641-847-3332.
As of the time I am writing this, we DO NOT have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hardin County. I pray we can keep it that way.
I am always available if you need anything or have any questions that I might be able to help you with. I shared with you before that I certainly did not expect anything like this at the start of my term as your Mayor, but I will do everything I can to keep this town safe. With the resources available to me and having a nursing degree to my favor, and lots of prayer, I am feeling confident we will get past this with lots of memories to talk about and very few scars. My contact info: work 641-847-2623, cell: 641-373-6361. Blessings and prayers for you all.
Iowaecomonicdevelopment.com/businessrecovery - they have grants for small business relief. The last day for the applications is March 31st. So there is not a lot of time to get it turned in. These grants range from $5,000 to $25,000.
To be eligible for a small business relief grant, eligible businesses must:
Be experiencing business disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Have employed between 2-25 people prior to March 17, 2020
The Small Business Relief Grants will assist eligible businesses in maintaining operations or reopening business following the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds may not be used to pay debts incurred prior to March 17, 2020.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority will review grant applications for eligibility and will determine the grant amount by the level of impact including loss in sales revenue and employees. Notification of award decisions and disbursement of grant funds will be expedited.
SBA.gov/disaster - Everything that is being done and being offered to small businesses that are feeling the sting of the COVID-19
Coronavirus.iowa.org - new website created to give you up to date information on how Iowa is holding up through all of this. There is a wealth of information there and also other resources for you.