The Perryton City Council heard a report on various COVID-19 issues, including a grant, at its meeting Tuesday evening.
City Manager David Landis related information about he Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, including the Coronavirus Relief Fund for governmental agencies.
He explained that the city has been awarded around a $444,000 grant, but 75% of that must be spent in three restricted areas.
Those include medical expenses, public health expenses and payroll for employees substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the public emergency.
The grant is based on a $55 per person allocation for each person in the community. The city also applied for, and has received 20% of those funds, $95,477.
Landis noted that the relief fund requirements are complicated, saying, “It is a nightmare (in the regulations) in how we can spend that money. I don’t know if we can spend it all.”
The remaining 25% allows more flexibility, including compensation to businesses.
On a related subject, he said the disaster order the city issued March 23 has expired and hasn’t been renewed.
The statewide restrictions have also been eased, Landis said. The water park is slated to open June 12, with some restrictions.
The kiddie splash area and concession stand will be closed, and there will be no private swimming lessons. The water park is limited to 25% capacity, which is around 100 people.
Lifeguard training is underway for the water park lifeguards as well.
The wading pools at Murphy Park and Leatherman Park will be filled on June 12.
Also during the meeting, the council approved “Movie Friendly Community” guidelines for those interested in filming movies, television programs, commercials, music videos, training videos or corporate films in the City of Perryton.
Landis said the Perryton CDC asked for the policy because it is an effective economic development tool to have in place.
The council also had a brief over view of the 2020- 21 proposed budget.
Landis mentioned that the city usually starts the budget process in March with detailed meetings, but that was not available this year.
He said the proposed budget will reflect lower oil prices, lower sales tax revenues and COVID-19 issues.
There are no raises for employees in the budget, but a half year’s salary is requested for a city finance director trainee, to take over when current finance director Don Jennings retires.
The council set a detailed budget review meeting for Tuesday, June 16, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
In other business:
—the council approved several amendments to the current budget, mainly to reflect lower sales tax revenues and gas sales last winter.
—the oath of office was administered to Mayor Kerry Symons and council members Greg Good and J Aston.