COVID-19 UPDATES FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS

As issues continue to develop and change at a quick rate with COVID-19, the Coronavirus, we at the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) are working alongside Governor Tony Evers, the Administration, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and our general counsel, Attolles Law, s.c., to provide the latest resources and updates to assist county officials during this unprecedented time.

COVID-19 Daily Update: 3.31.2020

March 31, 2020

WCA’S O’CONNELL GUEST ON TODAY’S WISEYE “NEWSMAKERS WITH STEVE WALTERS”WCA Executive Director Mark O’Connell virtually sat down with WisconsinEye for a “Newsmakers with Steve Walters” to discuss what counties are doing to provide services and adapt in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FORWARD ANALYTICS MEMO: “COVID-19 AND SALES TAX REVENUES”
Today, Forward Analytics released a memo that takes an early look at one aspect of the COVID-19 epidemic and resulting economic disruption: the impact on county sales tax revenues.

The analysis shows that even under a short-lived economic disruption, 2020 county sales tax revenues could be 8% lower than expected, with losses topping 10% in several counties. A deeper and more protracted economic decline could result in sales tax declines of 12% on average.  

See below for the memo and table for details.

As always, do not hesitate to contact Forward Analytics Director Dale Knapp with questions at 866.404.2700 or via email.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY: COVID-19 RESPONSE GRANT PROGRAM
The Wisconsin Partnership Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health have released information pertaining to a new grant program aimed at helping both community organizations and researchers at the University respond to the immediate challenges that have arisen from COVID-19.  
This grant is aiming to support innovative, responsive, high-impact projects that could improve the health of people in the state by lessening the impact of COVID-19 through scientific, medical, or public health approaches. 

Priority will be given to applicants whose projects take immediate action against COVID-19. The grant will include $750,000 for community-led projects which includes projects led by government entities.  

NACO “COUNTY NEWS NOW” HIGHLIGHTS COUNTIES’ INNOVATIVE EFFORTS ON COVID-19
Be sure to check out the National Association of Counties (NACo) County News Now for the latest COVID-19 updates from counties around the country.