April 17, 2020
City Council extends COVID-19 disaster declaration, appoints health authority
The Cleburne City Council continues its efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.

At its April 14 meeting, the City Council approved extending its existing declaration of local disaster to the next City Council meeting on April 28 and approved the appointment of Dr. Michelle Beeson as the City’s health authority. These decisions continue to position the City to take quick and necessary action as warranted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  
The City Council first approved a disaster declaration on March 1. Since that time, the city has used a measured approach to introduce orders aimed at protecting the community and limiting the spread of the virus within Cleburne. 
 
“I’ve been asked why are our orders not going with the duration of the Governor’s orders until April 30 and I believe it’s important we have that check and balance every two weeks to present to City Council,” Mayor Scott Cain said.
 
The City Council also appointed Dr. Michelle Beeson as its health authority. Having a municipal health authority allows the city to be notified first in the event of a positive COVID-19 test in our city limits rather than going through the county. It also enables the city to more directly interact with the Texas Department of State Health Services and for our staff to receive expert medical advice quickly. Dr. Beeson has served the city as Cleburne Fire Department’s Medical Director since 1999.

Downtown Sidewalk Project begins
The contractor for the city's Downtown Sidewalk Project has started removing and replacing aged sidewalk as part of this revitalization work this week. The new sidewalk will include design elements to amplify the downtown atmosphere.

Cleburne places in top 100 in safest cities in Texas ranking
Alarms.org, a consumer security and safety website, recently used FBI crime data to list the safest cities in Texas. Cleburne took the 67 spot. Other Johnson County cities on the list include Burleson at 71, and Mansfield at 19.

“The men and women of the Cleburne Police Department work hard to protect the community,” Cleburne Police Chief Rob Severance said. “But this recognition also belongs to the Cleburnites who look out for their neighbors and show their Cleburne pride every day.”

Cleburne focuses recycling efforts at Transfer Station
The City Council directed staff to remove recycling locations across the city after years of abuse and illegal dumping to focus on its essential services. Residents can still drop-off sorted recyclables at the Transfer Station during normal business hours.

“Essentially we’re cleaning up illegal dumping at the remote sites when we could be using that staff time on our essential services such as residential and bulk pickup,” Public Works Director Jeremy Hutt said.
Remote Recycling Center Abuse
Mayor enlist community's help to show we are Isolated but not Alone
Mayor Scott Cain has started a new video series featuring Cleburnites showing how they're getting through the COVID-19 pandemic to remind the community that we may be isolated at home but we're not alone.

Economic Development links local business with COVID-19 resources
COVID-19 is taking a substantial toll on the local economy and the financial well-being of businesses and citizens. The Cleburne Economic Development team wants you to know that we are here to help! With new legislation passed at the federal level, there are many new financial resources to help your business and employees.

Piggy Bank Stock Photo
Cleburne Public Library offering digital story times and more
The Cleburne Public Library staff continues to work hard to promote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to offering access to digital resources and signing up library cards by phone, they are also hosting virtual story times.

So far 50% of Cleburne households have completed the 2020 Census
Cleburne had a 68.6% self-response rate for the 2010 Census. So far for 2020, Cleburne has a 50.3% response rate. Do your part to help the city get an accurate count by completing the Census today. #CleburneCounts2020

Census Response Rate 50percent
Meet the Pet of the Week
Meet Imogen! This super sweet girl is a 2-3 year-old chocolate Lab mix that is in need of a new home. Imogen is very well behaved, house trained, and loves stuffed animals. She walks well on a leash and is very quiet too. Due to shelter closings and limited staff, we are asking potential adopters to fill out the application prior to scheduling an appointment to meet the pet.

Imogen Pet of the Week
City of Cleburne | 10 North Robinson Street | (817) 645-0900 | theburne@cleburne.net | Cleburne.net