The McDonough City Council took action in a March 30 special called meeting to help businesses within the city limits that are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

  The council passed a resolution authorizing the transfer of $150,000 from the general fund to the Downtown Development Authority, for the purpose of creating a loan program managed by the authority. According to city officials, 60 percent of the loans will be distributed to eligible businesses located within the Downtown District, while the remaining funds will go to businesses in other parts of the city.

  There is a cap of $3,000 per loan recipient, which will allow the city to assist at least 50 local businesses. Eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a current 2020 McDonough occupational tax permit.
• Have a minimum of one full-time employee or independent contractor in addition to the business owner.
• Remain open on at least a part-time basis during the COVID-19 emergency period.
• Be current in all revenues payable to the city.

  The loans cannot be granted to any businesses owned by individuals on the city’s governing authority of DDA or their families. Visit the city’s website for more information on the application process.

  Other recent action by the City Council includes the cancellation of its scheduled April 2 workshop meeting. Also, all water cutoffs are suspended until further notice, and the $5 fee for electronic water payments will be credited back to each account. All city government buildings remain closed to the public, although personnel are accessible by phone or email. All city parks and restrooms are closed until further notice.