City of Clayton taking advantage of CARES Act Funds

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Clayton has taken advantage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, explains Clayton Treasurer and Human Resources Director Mia Sharpton.  “The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress with overwhelming, bipartisan support and signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020.  Afterwards, the Georgia Municipal Association went to bat for the state of Georgia to receive some of this funding for counties and local governments to use for substantially, mitigating, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the City of Clayton received a Phase I funding for eligible items including purchasing PPE and cleaners and disinfectants for City Hall. We were also able to create a lobby that could be sanitized more efficiently and that was paid for by this CARES Act funding.  One of the most encouraging aspects of the CARES Act funding was the approval to offset some of our patrol officer’s pay. Our patrol officers spend their 12-hour shifts helping the public and enforcing laws that put them in harms way constantly. Public Safety are considered essential workers and must consistently protect themselves (and their families) from this virus that is so easily spread. Our City Police Force comes into work everyday knowing there are so many dangers in their job but now with this unseen menace added to the list, it’s even more dangerous. I’m happy to report the City can help our patrol officers in several ways with this CARES Act funding from the US Treasury and Governor Kemp. Along with helping defray the police force’s payroll, the City can provide personal protective equipment and disinfecting, cleaning, and sanitizing products that would normally put the department’s budget over the top.”  Due to the coronavirus, the City of Clayton closed the offices of City Hall to the public; however, the lobby remains open for residents to pay bills.  If you need to speak with city personnel you are asked to call 706-782-4512 to schedule an appointment.