Protecting yourself and others from COVID-19
Parks and Recreational Facilities
Many towns are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 at local parks and recreational facilities. At the same time, municipal leaders recognize that getting some fresh air and exercise at parks, hiking trails and other recreational areas is a great way of keeping people healthy and reducing stress during these difficult times.

Today, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19 when visiting park and recreational areas. The CDC's recommendations are a helpful tool for towns in reminding residents that adhering to these Do's and Don'ts when visiting parks and recreational areas will keep us healthy and help flatten the curve.
USDA Unveils Tools to Help Rural Communities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide is a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic.

USDA has taken many immediate actions to assist farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities, and rural-based businesses and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on these actions, visit www.usda.gov/coronavirus .
Property Tax Deferral/Low Interest Program
Under Executive Order No. 7S , municipalities must establish a program to 1) allow eligible taxpayers to defer property tax and utility bill payments by 90 days; 2) provide taxpayers with a reduced interest rate on delinquent taxes of .25% per month or 3% per year; or 3) both. Towns must notify OPM by April 25 regarding which programs they have adopted using the certification form below.




Note: Under EO 7W , these provisions NOW apply to special taxing districts and special services districts. OPM's Guidance will be updated shortly and available on their website . Also, see Municipal Guidance Document 4 below.
Municipal Guidance Document 4
In partnership with CCM and CTCOG, attached is Guidance Document #4 pertaining to the Governor’s Executive Orders dealing with the Suspension and Modification of Tax Deadlines and Collection Efforts referenced above.  
In addition to CCM, COST and CTCOG, we would like to thank our municipal attorney partners Kari Olson with Murtha Cullina, Richard Roberts with Halloran Sage and Steve Mednick for their assistance in drafting provisions to address issues facing municipalities.
If you have any questions regarding any of these issues or would like specific issues addressed, please contact Betsy Gara at bgara@ctcost.org or 860-841-7350.