Mayor's August 29, 2020 Update
Greetings! On Monday, August 24, 2020, Fond du Lac County moved back to Phase 1 of their COVID-19 restart plan after data showed an increase in cases over a two-week period. Dodge County’s plan shows a sustained increase in cases as well but presently remains in Phase 2. The city’s operational plan tracks closely with county restart plans. Phase 1, recommends things like limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer people, that non-essential businesses operate at 25% capacity, that preference is given to curbside pickup and delivery and that the most vulnerable populations limit their exposure by social distancing and limiting trips to public places. This shift to Phase 1 by Fond du Lac County caused city staff to review our operational plan and several modifications were made. Effective immediately, the Senior Center will close to indoor activity, with a few exceptions, and remain closed until the county returns to Phase 2. This move was made to protect our elderly, who fall within the definition of one of the more vulnerable populations. Outdoor activities, including walking, exercise and more, will continue, weather permitting. The library building also closed as a result of this change. Library staff are continuing to offer curbside services. Check both the Senior Center and Library website for further details. All other city operations remain unchanged at this time. More information about the Fond du Lac County restart plan can be found by visiting www.fdlco.wi.gov. We will continue to monitor and adapt our operational plans to ensure ongoing safety of staff and residents accessing public facilities, and will continue to make changes in accordance with decisions made by county public health officials.
At the August 25, 2020 special meeting of the Common Council, staff presented a followup analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on our 2020 municipal budget. At the onset of COVID-19, staff evaluated anticipated revenue losses and placed $238,000 of planned activities/purchases on spending holds. Today we have a much clearer picture of those revenue numbers and some decisions to release spending holds have been made in accordance with updated revenue projections. Revenues derived from room tax, licenses and fees, interest income, and pool operations are impacting the remaining spending holds which total roughly $110,000. We continue to work on our 2021 budget preparation and will be communicating more in the months ahead about the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the city’s financial picture.
Around town, bulk waste pickup is planned for October 5 through 7 on your regularly scheduled garbage pickup day. Fall yard waste pickup will begin the following week and run through November 6, 2020, weather dependent. Don’t miss the final days of summer downtown. Visit the Waupun Farmer’s Market Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon on the corner of East Main and Forest Streets.
Stay safe and we’ll talk again soon Waupun!
