The city of Bellefontaine has declared a state of emergency in conjunction with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that enables the city to apply for emergency public assistance funds to recover from effects of the illness, as well as the economic shutdown.
Mayor Ben Stahler said Tuesday the emergency declaration is intended to help city officials prepare for, “this unavoidable economic downturn.”
The city’s emergency declaration also eliminates purchasing and contracting requirements in order to more efficiently secure any, “materials, supplies, equipment, construction or service,” necessary to, “protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city of Bellefontaine,” according to the resolution.
“Our primary focus is to keep our associates safe from this virus while providing all of the necessary services to the city of Bellefontaine,” Stahler said.
The resolution cites the ongoing statewide stay-athome order from the Ohio Department of Health, as well as state and national emergency declarations dating as far back as Jan. 31.
The emergency declaration notes the five positive coronavirus cases in Logan County and points out that, “this threat has already impacted the daily lives of the citizens of the city of Bellefontaine.”
The local emergency declaration lasts until state of Ohio public officials determine the COVID-19 threat no longer exists.
“We are proud of the efforts that all of our citizens are making, we remain confident that we will ride out this storm,” the mayor concluded.