For
Immediate Release:
July 1, 2020
County
to lift public access restrictions July 6; Freeholders provide updates on small
business grants, financial recovery
FREEHOLD, NJ – On behalf of the Board of Chosen
Freeholders, Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy
Director Susan M. Kiley provided several updates on County operations,
including the removal of public access restrictions beginning on Monday, July
6.
“We are excited to announce that we will begin
allowing the public into County buildings on Monday, July 6, by appointment
only,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “Face coverings and practicing social
distancing will be required.”
Freeholder Director Arnone also spoke about the allocation
of CARES (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.
The
funding will be utilized 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,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “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.”
Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley applauded Freeholder Director Arnone’s
efforts, outreach and support for Monmouth County’s small business community. The
Deputy Director went on to explain 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.
“The intent of the County’s Financial
Recovery Initiative is to equally meet residents’ needs in the most effective
and helpful way possible,” said Deputy Director Kiley, liaison to Human
Services. “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 a anchor organizations.”
Together
with a key group of financial leaders through Monmouth County, Deputy Director
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.
“The
first meeting will take place this afternoon where the Task Force Work Group
will present the rapid planning and implementation,” said Deputy Director
Kiley. “The developmental work has already taken place thanks to the Monmouth
ACTS Financial Hub and execution is expected to begin within the coming weeks.”
The
Freeholders wrapped up the press conference by reminding everyone to comply
with executive orders, especially practicing social distancing.
“As
County buildings and businesses reopen to the public, we have to act
responsibly by practicing social distancing,” said Freeholder Director Arnone.
“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, go to www.visitmonmouth.com.
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