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: 5.8.2020

May 8, 2020

COVID-19 DAILY HEALTH UPDATE
(Information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) current as of 1:00 p.m. Central, Friday, May 8, 2020)

  • Total people with negative results: 97,265 (+4,230)
  • Total people with positive results: 9,590 (+375)
  • Hospitalizations: 1,767 (+35) or 18%
  • Total deaths: 384 (+10)

COUNTY REVENUE CONSIDERATIONS
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, WCA is working to assist counties with the inevitable reduction in local revenue (sales tax, property tax, county fees, state support, etc.). 

Recent news, including the potential Act 185 property tax delay, revised estimates from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau indicating unprecedented declines in state revenues, and new county sales tax estimates from Forward Analytics illustrate revenue reductions for which counties must begin preparing. Below are a few areas counties may wish to consider when making financial decisions for the current and upcoming year.  

BEST PRACTICES AND SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR WISCONSIN BUSINESSES
Businesses looking to keep workers, customers, and families safe while “turning the dial” toward reopening can now draw on a series of publications to keep them informed of best practices and safety tips.
The brochures include general guidelines for all businesses to follow as well as industry-specific advice, such as for restaurants, retailers, manufacturers, professional offices, farmers, manufacturers, builders, hotel and motel operators, barbers, personal care services and other fields.

“Wisconsin businesses have done a great job in adapting to our state’s Safer at Home order,” Governor Evers said. “As we begin to ‘turn the dial,’ they need to know how to reopen safely so that employees and customers can feel confident when they return.”

The guides were developed by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) in consultation with the Departments of Health Services, Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and Tourism, as well as and industry experts and associations.

FEMA DAILY BRIEFING POINTS FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Below please find the Friday, May 8, 2020 FEMA Daily Briefing Points for the Whole-of-America response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

ICYMI: PPE PURCHASING OPTIONS FOR KN95 AND 3 PLY MASKS
We have received information from WCA Services, Inc. associate member Omnia Partners that Office Depot has very large quantities of KN95 and 3 ply masks currently in stock in Chicago distribution centers.
Below please find a flyer regarding the masks, with changes including steady flow for regular consumption or large one-time orders. Quotes will be held for five business days.

About Omnia Partners
U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance and National IPA have integrated and rebranded as OMNIA Partners: Public Sector, making it the nation’s most experienced cooperative purchasing organization serving state and local government, K-12 education and higher education institutions.

For More Information
Tom Ford
Regional Manager, Midwest
847.372.3381