Sunday , March 22, 20202, Bourbon County Emergency Management announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19, Coronavirus, in Bourbon County. The announcement was followed by a Bourbon County Commission meeting where, after a short executive session, a COVID-19 Emergency Resolution was unanimously adopted. The resolution declares a state of local health public emergency within Bourbon County for 60 days or until recovered earlier.
Pursuant to the power granted to the Local Public Health Officer in KSA 65-119 et seq and the Emergency Declarations of the Governments, Becky Johnson, Public Health Officer, issued a mandate to go into full force and effect at 8:00 PM Sunday March 22, 2020. The order restricts or prohibits business activities for all non-essential businesses and made restrictions for essential business. The full mandate is available online at bourboncountyks.org/covid-19. Businesses with questions or concerns regarding the mandate can call the health department at (620)223-4464 for guidance.
Links to the United States Department of Labor (USDOL), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Department for Children and Families and GetKansasBenefits.gov will be available on one page to make it easier for Kansans to keep updated on the virus and resources available to assist them during this challenging time. at www.getkansasbenefits.gov For the most up to date information on the COVID-19 Coronavirus, go to https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus.
We understand the substantial impact COVID-19 has on businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) have offered low interest loans as a response. SBA Disaster relief loans are now open for all Kansas communities and available to apply online at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. The loan is low interest; no higher than 3.75%. Each loan is made on a case by case basis, with terms up to 30 years, are based on ability to pay. The maximum amount of the loan is $2 million. There are no lending institutions involved in this process, the loan is straight through the SBA.
The State of Kansas is offering the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) loan. This is a zero percent interest loan for a maximum of $20,000 for 36 months. There will be no principle or interest payment due for the first four months. You can apply online here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response/hospitality-industry-relief-emergency-hire-fund/https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response/hospitality-industry-relief-emergency-hire-fund/
Loan funds can be used for current fixed debt and short-term working capital. Examples include making payments to commercial loan payments, commercial lease payments, utility bills, payroll, accounts payable or inventory. “We are encouraging businesses to consolidate fix debts into lower interest rate loans, while including short term working capital, when applying for relief loans,” Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director said. “We have intentionally made ourselves available to assist in the application process. Every day more and more businesses are reaching out.”
More information on the Bourbon County Economic Development or Emergency Management resources and assistance is available by contacting Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director, at 620-215-5725/[email protected] or William Wallace, Emergency Management, at 620-223-3800 ext 124/[email protected]
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About Bourbon County Emergency Management (EM)
There are four key purposes to emergency management: Preparedness. Response. Recovery. Mitigation. Bourbon County Emergency Management (EM) is trained for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious public health risk. EM are the contact for state and federal emergency response programs for recovery of disaster situations. For most up to date information check out the Bourbon County Corona Virus Updates page.