Small businesses and non-profits in Nome may have more financial help on the way in the form of grants. That’s if the Nome City Council approves a $750,000 grant program using federal CARES Act money during their regular meeting tonight.
While exact details will still need to be worked out during the meeting, the proposal says Nome businesses will not be asked for invoices to prove their hardships. The grants are meant to be used for owners’ loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, expenses related to public health regulations, or other financial stressors caused by the pandemic.
Along with the CARES Act funding, the City Council will continue to discuss the conditions of the local emergency order. The most recent draft up for discussion is separate from the order passed earlier this month. Instead of issuing temporary authorities 60 days at a time, this new ordinance would keep the emergency order on the books until December 31st, 2020. It would also allow Nome’s City Manager to limit the sale of alcohol if deemed necessary.
That ordinance is in the second reading phase tonight and could be passed or voted down by a majority of the Council.
Tonight’s City Council meeting will be held at 7pm at City Hall in Nome. There will be a work session at 5:30 PM to discuss CARES Act funding.
Image at top: Files and paperwork in City Council Chambers. Photo: Matthew F. Smith, KNOM file.
