Fairhope, Alabama
UPDATE: Mr. Genes Beans has since re-opened (periodically) for take-out/curbside service.
BIG RECESSION BEING PREDICTED
With many local stores/restaurants closed or operations cut back indefinitely because of the coronavirus threat, contingency planning for municipal budget cuts and a possible stimulus later to help local small businesses recover has begun (promotional, marketing?).
The stock market has already crashed and some national economists are predicting a recession comparable to the Great Recession of 2007 - 2009; the federal government is about to enact its own a $2 trillion emergency aid package in response, including aid to small businesses.
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC FALLOUT
Loss of sales and lodging tax revenue would be felt first: that could cause significant shortfalls in this year's municipal budget. Property tax revenue loss would come later, if home values decline significantly as they did during the last recession.
Projected city sales tax revenue in this year's budget was $9.1 million; lodging tax $500K. Property tax (real estate) projection was $5.6 million.
Mayor Wilson told the city council she has already been meeting with department heads about budget cuts and has identified about $2.6 million of possible "low hanging fruit" (Street Department, Golf, Gas Dept., Police/Fire, et al); but that could be just the beginning based upon the severity and length of the problem.
Some major capital projects may have to be postponed; but others funded with impact fees or outside grants may be able to move forward.
Wilson said she hopes to avoid tapping into the city's emergency "rainy day" fund; it may be needed for other emergencies (currently $7 million).
TREASURER TO PROVIDE NEW PROJECTIONS
Councilman Burrell asked for an itemized list of the proposed cuts for council's review ... and for city treasurer Kim Creech to come up with new budget estimates based on up to a 50% loss of sales tax revenue for the remainder of this year.
The virus pandemic itself could last until July, according to some current projections; economic impacts could last considerably longer though.
UPDATE: Mr. Genes Beans has since re-opened (periodically) for take-out/curbside service.
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| Streets deserted |
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| Chamber of commerce office closed. |
BIG RECESSION BEING PREDICTED
With many local stores/restaurants closed or operations cut back indefinitely because of the coronavirus threat, contingency planning for municipal budget cuts and a possible stimulus later to help local small businesses recover has begun (promotional, marketing?).
The stock market has already crashed and some national economists are predicting a recession comparable to the Great Recession of 2007 - 2009; the federal government is about to enact its own a $2 trillion emergency aid package in response, including aid to small businesses.
 |
| Some businesses "temporarily" closed. |
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC FALLOUT
Loss of sales and lodging tax revenue would be felt first: that could cause significant shortfalls in this year's municipal budget. Property tax revenue loss would come later, if home values decline significantly as they did during the last recession.
Projected city sales tax revenue in this year's budget was $9.1 million; lodging tax $500K. Property tax (real estate) projection was $5.6 million.
Mayor Wilson told the city council she has already been meeting with department heads about budget cuts and has identified about $2.6 million of possible "low hanging fruit" (Street Department, Golf, Gas Dept., Police/Fire, et al); but that could be just the beginning based upon the severity and length of the problem.
Some major capital projects may have to be postponed; but others funded with impact fees or outside grants may be able to move forward.
Wilson said she hopes to avoid tapping into the city's emergency "rainy day" fund; it may be needed for other emergencies (currently $7 million).
 |
| Mr. Genes Beans closed. |
TREASURER TO PROVIDE NEW PROJECTIONS
Councilman Burrell asked for an itemized list of the proposed cuts for council's review ... and for city treasurer Kim Creech to come up with new budget estimates based on up to a 50% loss of sales tax revenue for the remainder of this year.
The virus pandemic itself could last until July, according to some current projections; economic impacts could last considerably longer though.
 |
| Pandemic timeline projections. |
Comments
They can sell it if need be.
The hospital is requesting isolation gowns, ear loop or tie masks, N95 respirators, hand sanitizers, face shields, surface disinfectants, powered air purifying respirators and controlled air purifying respirators.
Individuals or companies able to make a donation should contact the hospital command center at 251-266-1677. Arrangements will be made to pick up the donation, according to a post on the hospital’s Facebook page.
SATAN, n.
One of the Creator’s lamentable mistakes, repented in sashcloth and axes. Being instated as an archangel, Satan made himself multifariously objectionable and was finally expelled from Heaven. Half-way in his descent he paused, bent his head in thought a moment and at last went back.
‘‘There is one favor that I should like to ask,’’ said he.
‘‘Name it.’’
‘‘Man, I understand, is about to be created. He will need laws.’’
‘‘What, wretch! you his appointed adversary, charged from the dawn of eternity with hatred of his soul—you ask for the right to make his laws?’’
‘‘Pardon; what I have to ask is that he be permitted to make them himself.’’
IT WAS SO ORDERED.
1.Someone states their opinion.
2.Others state opposing opinions.
3.Arguing goes back and forth.
4.Bloggers than start arguing their superior intelligence.
4. Bloggers attribute false motives to strangers who expose the fallacies of the actual arguments made in steps 1-3 (i.e. further argumentation).