Council receives virus update at special meeting

The San Marcos City Council held a special meeting Thursday to discuss grants and emergency management efforts in response to COVID-19. 

The City of San Marcos rented and installed portable handwashing stations recognizing that shutting down bathroom facilities in parks may have affected people experiencing homelessness. The handwashing stations are located near the Southside Community Center and the parking lot adjacent to the dog park across from city hall.

The city has processed late fee exemptions for 76 commercial utility accounts and 54 residential utility accounts for residents who are struggling to pay their bills as a result of the COVID-19 economic impact. The city has also set up payment arrangements totaling $136,000 for 537 utility customer accounts. 

Mayor Jane Hughson’s “Don’t touch” campaign has resulted in 228 signs being installed at 28 different gas station locations. They have ordered 100 more to be install at an additional nine locations. 

The city has acquired personal protective equipment for city staff including masks and disinfectant some of which came from hill country distilleries. 

The parks and recreation department has made 800 calls to senior citizens as part of a senior check-in program. They reported 250 people appreciated the call and wanted additional follow up. 

Various grants have been applied for and are pending responses including the All Together ATC Central Texas COVID-19 rapid response grant that would result in $24,900 in funding to provide utility assistance to customers. Additionally, the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding would result in $51,345 to offset expenditures in the police department, including PPE and cleaning supplies.

Emergency Management Coordinator Rachel Ingle is exploring the disaster recovery process for the community and the local economy. 

City staff recommends contributing $50,000 each to the general fund, water/wastewater, and electric utility funds which will be discussed at Tuesday’s council meeting along with budget reduction measures and the economic outlook.