Fort Worth-area cities desperate for funds to fight coronavirus-fueled economic crisis
Over 100 mayors, including many from North Texas, signed a strongly worded letter urging Gov. Greg Abbott to establish guidelines for financial help.
The mayors contend their cities have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which has shut down many businesses and services.
Mayors who signed the letter included Betsy Price of Fort Worth, Jeff Williams of Arlington, Linda Martin of Euless, Ron White of White Settlement and Henry Wilson of Hurst.
The letter stated that $11.24 billion from the Coronavirus Relief Fund was split between the state and “local governments” with populations over 500,000, excluding the smaller cities.
“Needless to say, the virus representing our common enemy at the moment does not acknowledge city boundaries or population distinctions. Every single Texas city has a role to play in the battle for our state’s health and prosperity,” the mayors wrote in the letter.
The letter also said that while the mayors are “encouraged” that the governor’s office was establishing guidelines to distribute the funds, they requested that the state allow flexibility in how the funds are used.
Currently, cities cannot use the money to replace lost revenue, as budgets are taking a hit because of the economic fallout.
The mayors said there are concerns because guidelines to apply for the funds haven’t been released and cities in counties with over 500,000 people don’t know if they should work with their county or the state on getting the federal funds.
Euless mayor Linda Martin, who signed the letter, said she took part in a conference call Thursday with Tarrant County judge Glen Whitley and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and that she is “encouraged” that there will be clarification on applying for the funding and on how cities can use federal dollars.
She added that cities had to make painful decisions.
Last week, the Euless city council voted to allow reserve funds to be used to help shore up the budget.
Martin said Euless is also leaning toward canceling summer programs, but there isn’t a decision yet.
“It’s hard when you have to make decisions that are literally heart-wrenching,” she said.
Other cities initiated pay cuts, furloughed employees and canceled summer activities.
In White Settlement, city manager Jeffrey James said he volunteered to take a 10 percent pay cut, and department heads are also taking pay cuts. The city is also having four furlough days with the first on May 18. James said dates haven’t been set for the other days.
White Settlement is also canceling its July 4th celebration and closing the Splash Dayz water park.
Bedford and Hurst also closed their aquatics centers and canceled July 4th festivities and other summer programs.
This story was originally published May 8, 2020 at 4:26 PM with the headline "Fort Worth-area cities desperate for funds to fight coronavirus-fueled economic crisis."