McDonough council passes measures for business assistance

The McDonough City Council voted unanimously at its April 27 meeting to approve an amendment to a March resolution regarding the assistance of local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The changes stipulate that repayment of loans to local businesses under the program are to be two years after the termination of the mayor’s declaration of emergency, and that eligible businesses must remain open on a full- or part-time basis during the COVID-19 emergency period unless prohibited by state or local emergency order to qualify. Also approved was the ratification of an agreement between the city and its Downtown Development Authority to administer its COVID -19 Pandemic Employee Retention Program for the benefit of businesses within the city experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic.

Loan program funds have been paid from the city’s general fund to the DDA for this purpose.