UPSON BOC DEALING WITH FINANCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19

THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAVE TAKEN ACTION TO DEAL  WITH THE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON REVENUES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC .

AT TUESDAY'S MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCING--THE  BOARD APPROVED A  RESOLUTION GIVING THE  COUNTY MANAGER AND STAFF TEMPORARY AUTHORITY-- FOR 90 DAYS -- ON 4 MEASURES.

A COUNTYWIDE HIRING  FREEZE, PROHIBITION ON COUNTY SPONSORED  TRAVEL, PROHIBITION ON SMALL EQUIPMENT PURCHASES AND A FREEZE ON CAPITAL EXPENDITURES/PROJECTS NOT PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY THE  COMMISSIONERS.

THE RESOLUTION WAS PRESENTED AFTER COUNTY  MANAGER  JASON TINSLEY NOTED NATIONAL GDP IS EXPECTED TO DECLINE  BY 12% IN THE 2ND QUARTER AND UNEMPLOYMENT IS SKYROCKETING. THE COUNTY MANAGER SAID ITS UNCLEAR  HOW SEVERE UPSON COUNTY  WILL  BE AFFECTED--BUT SALES TAXES COULD  TAKE A MAJOR HIT BEFORE THE CRISIS PASSES. THE RESOLUTION INCLUDES THE COUNTY'S FUND BALANCE POLICY  ESTABLISHED  LAST YEAR REQUIRING A FUND BALANCE OF 33% OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS BUDGETED EXPENDITURES TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES.

COUNTY MANAGER TINSLEY ANNOUNCED SPREWELL BLUFF PARK WILL REOPEN MAY IST WITH LIMITED ACCESS.