Employees in a Fort Worth suburb are keeping their jobs while helping senior citizens
Senior citizens whose property taxes are frozen are getting calls from city employees asking if they need assistance or information about social services.
Mayor Ken Shetter said that when Burleson had to put some employees such as those who work at the parks department or neighborhood services on non-essential status, when some city buildings closed because of COVID-19, officials decided to create a call center where employees contact senior citizens to find out how they are doing and if they need information.
The employees also answer calls to a hotline where residents can call to ask questions.
Shetter said the employees weren’t busy with their regular duties and officials wanted to make sure they retained their jobs.
This helps the economy, Shetter said.
“We’re having good success with this. We just decided why not call all seniors and check on their well-being,” he said.
So far, the employees have called 2,943 people, Shetter said.
Shetter said he hasn’t heard about “dire needs” but city employees are making sure people have information such as special store hours and what social agencies are doing to help.
When employees call senior citizens, they ask questions related to medical needs or if residents require food or other assistance.
People are also calling the hotline to ask questions about the size of gatherings, business operations, and what city facilities are closed.
“People are very happy and comforted that the city is reaching out to them,” he said.
Stay-at-home order
The Burleson City Council voted Wednesday night to issue a stay-at-home order which reflects those already in place for Tarrant County and Fort Worth.
Burleson’s order is in effect until April 13, unless the council votes to extend it.
People can leave home for essential travel, work, and essential government service.
Non-essential businesses must close to the public, and people who use “shared outdoor spaces are asked to keep a social distance of six feet.”
The city’s coronavirus hotline is (682) 312-2780 .