On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley provided several updates on county operations on July 1, including news of the removal of public access restrictions beginning on July 6.
“We are excited to announce we will begin allowing the public into county buildings on July 6, by appointment only,” Arnone said. “Face coverings and practicing social distancing will be required.”
Arnone also spoke about the allocation of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding to administer small business grants as well as the Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Communities Through Services) Financial Recovery Initiative and Task Force, according to a press release.
The funding will be used to provide grants of up to $10,000 to businesses with up to 50 employees.
“We are looking to partner with an organization that will handle the entirety of the grant process, which we expect to be an entirely online application process to efficiently handle the grant applications,” Arnone said.
“Businesses should start to put together their receipts for expenses they have incurred because of the pandemic, including rental expenses and utility expenses. Having your paperwork prepared will give you a head start when the process begins,” he said.
Kiley explained that residents, many of whom are traditionally self-sufficient, are finding themselves in need of public resources and clear direction on how to access those resources, according to the press release.
“The intent of the county’s Financial Recovery Initiative (FRI) is to equally meet residents’ needs in the most effective and helpful way possible,” Kiley said.
“The FRI brings together and builds upon the strong foundation of public and community organizations, which has already been established through Monmouth ACTS and its Financial Empowerment Hub.
“The initiative includes a clearinghouse, which will provide residents with access to information about the many public-private programs and benefits that are becoming available almost daily from anchor organizations,” she said.
Together with a key group of financial leaders, Kiley has established the FRI Task Force to assure a robust community outreach and communication effort to meet the needs of all residents and report to the public about progress. The task force will advise and support the FRI, according to the press release.
Arnone concluded the July 1 press conference by stating, “As county buildings and businesses reopen to the public, we have to act responsibly by practicing social distancing. Right now, social distancing is the best defense we have against the spread of COVID-19.”
For more Monmouth County news updates and information regarding the COVID-19 situation, visit www.visitmonmouth.com