Town recruiting members for Business Economic Support and Recovery Task Force

As part of its efforts to address the financial challenges caused by COVID-19, St. Marys Town Council is expected to approve the establishment of a Business Economic Support and Recovery Task Force at its meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

The new committee will advise Council on matters related to local businesses and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its focus will be supporting the St. Marys business community now and after the outbreak has ended.

“Of the $300,000 that Council recently allocated to COVID-19 relief funding, we are dedicating a full $100,000 to assisting our local businesses,” said Mayor Al Strathdee. “This task force will help us determine the best way to use these dollars to support those business owners who have been hit the hardest by this pandemic.”

The task force will be made up of five local business owners and two members of Council, and will be supported by municipal staff from a range of departments. The Town is encouraging members of the business community to apply to be part of the committee.

An application form and list of eligibility requirements are available on the Town website at townofstmarys.com/boardsandcommittees. Completed forms can be submitted by email (clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca) or fax (519-284-2881). The deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 13, 2020.

In addition to approving the new task force, Council is also expected to extend the waiving of penalties and interest charges on all municipal payments until July 31, 2020, with the exception of property tax payments. The Town is considering further property tax deferrals to be announced at a later date.

Questions about the Business Economic Support and Recovery Task Force and the Town’s financial relief measures can directed to the Finance Department at 519-284-2340, ext. 214 or amorin@town.stmarys.on.ca. For more information about the Town’s response to COVID-19, visit www.townofstmarys.com/covid19.

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Contact                                                                            

Brett O’Reilly | Corporate Communications & Events Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca