City explains virus relief funding priorities

Norton’s share of federal COVID-19 relief funding has already gone a long way with some funds left to be used, based on a presentation city council received.

City Manager Fred Ramey provided a detailed breakdown during council’s Aug. 18 meeting.

Norton recently received its second round of funds through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, totaling more than $347,300, he explained.

As of Aug. 18, the city had spent nearly $125,800 for uses including disinfection/sanitation, personal protective equipment, safe access to government services, building modifications and addressing needs including food insecurity, mortgage/rental assistance, temporary housing, government telework, broadband, public schools and utility payments.

The city is partnering with Norton schools to install internet wifi hotspots in community parks, Ramey noted.

Further, the city has transferred $25,000 each to city schools and the rescue squad, along with $20,000 to Family Crisis Support Services, to help them meet unexpected costs associated with COVID-19, he noted.

Ramey said he expected the remaining funds to be spent mostly on efforts to help city businesses, along with city building modifications to meet federal labor standard requirements and for operation of government services.