We want to make sure all of Buda can receive The Big Picture newsletter. Help us by sharing it!
|
|
THE BIG PICTURE
(City of Buda Weekly Newsletter)
Week of April 13, 2020
|
|
In this Issue:
- Buda Traffic Alert: Bradfield Drive and Main Street Intersection
- IRS "Get My Payment App
- Stimulus Check Fraud
- Personal Protective Equipment for City of Buda Employees
- Still Budaful Stimulus Plan
- COVID-19 Hays County Resources
- Contract Tracing Process for COVID-19 - Hays County Health Department
- Buda Public Library Online Resources
|
|
- Activities and Resources for Older Adults - Age of Central Texas
- Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area Online Workshop
- COVID-19 Hotline
- COVID-19 Dashboard
- City of Buda Conducting Business Virtually
- COVID-19 Updates on City of Buda Website
- Buda Counts: 2020 Census
- Boards and Commissions Application Extended
- City of Buda Water Smart Portal
- City of Buda Job Opportunities
|
|
Bradfield Drive Closure at Main Street Intersection
Monday, April 20 - Monday, April 27
|
As part of the ongoing Main Street Improvement Project, a small portion of Bradfield Drive at the intersection of Main will be closed in both directions from Monday, April 20 to Monday, April 27. This is due to construction on the southern side of the intersection and roadway. Drivers will NOT be able to turn on to Main Street from Bradfield or on to Bradfield from Main Street. Main Street will remain open in both directions.
|
|
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and IRS has launched the “Get My Payment” web app. The FREE app—which will be found at
IRS.gov
—will allow taxpayers who filed their tax return in 2018 or 2019 but did not provide their banking information on their return to submit direct deposit information. Once they do, they will get their Economic Impact Payments in their bank accounts quickly, instead of waiting for a check to arrive in the mail. “Get My Payment” will also allow taxpayers to track the status of their payment.
|
|
Please be wary of Stimulus Check fraud! The IRS will not call, email, or text you and ask for any fee, payment, bank account information or any other personal information to receive your check. Please DO NOT click on suspicious links or provide any personal identifying information. Also, if you receive an Economic Impact Payment that requires you to verify the check online or by phone, it is a fraud. If you think you have been a victim of a pandemic related fraud, or if someone tries to defraud you, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or email them at
disaster@leo.gov
.
|
|
Personal Protective Equipment
For City of Buda Employees
|
All City of Buda employees are taking the necessary precautions during this time. Every Buda PD Officer has been issued personal protective equipment (including masks & eye protection). Other essential staff also have N95 masks and the City has an adequate supply right now
|
|
|
|
Still Budaful Stimulus Plan
|
|
In response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Buda City Council authorized the "Still Budaful Stimulus Program" to assist businesses negatively affected by the pandemic.The total contributions between the City of Buda and Buda EDC amount to $380,000, allowing eligible businesses to apply for the following assistance programs:
- Still Budaful Stimulus Grant
- Hotel Occupancy Tax Payment Emergency Deferral + Forgiveness Program
- Buda Emergency Co-Marketing Grant
The people behind the Still Budaful Stimulus Plan have a few words to share with our small business community. Take advantage of the Still Budaful Stimulus Plan, because without you Buda isn't budaful.
|
|
Hays County has provided a list of resources for residents who have lost their jobs or need food, mental health support, or other assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic
.
|
|
In any infectious disease outbreak, it is critical to trace contacts to ensure that individuals who may have been exposed to the disease are evaluated and treated if necessary. The Hays County Local Health Department has protocols in place for different exposure situations.
|
|
Buda Public Library Online Resources
|
|
While you are at home, the Buda Public Library is here for you! Library members can access our digital services, including checking out eBooks, downloading audio books, participating in a free online class, reading digital newspapers or magazines, or learning a new language!
Anyone can join us online for something fun to do, like watch a storytime with your children, learn to watercolor, plant a seed, and more!
We are here to take your calls at 512-295-5899 and can answer questions, set you up with a new library card, and update your existing account so you can access all our digital resources.
Find out everything you can do with “Buda Library at Home here:
|
|
For older adults during this time there is a risk for social isolation. While they are safer from exposure to COVID-19, isolation can lead to issues like cognitive decline and depression. AGE of Central Texas has provided some activities and resources for older adults and caregivers to experience at home.
|
|
Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area
Chronic Conditions Self-Management Online Workshop
|
|
The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area is offering a FREE online workshop for its Chronic Conditions Self-Management program. Registration is required. There is NO COST to participate. To register please contact Jessica Martone at 512-916-6180. You can also email her at
jmartone@capcog.org
. The program is every Tuesday from April 21 - May 26 from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM.
|
|
Hays County has a COVID-19 hotline. The number is
512-393-5525
and it is operational Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM
.
|
|
(The information coming from Hays County will continue to change. Please follow Hays County at
www.haysinformed.com
)
An online dashboard created by City of San Marcos provides the public with a current count and other statistics related to COVID-19 cases in Hays County in near real-time.
The data on the dashboard shows a snapshot of COVID-19 related information for the County, as well as the number of active and recovered cases per City.
For example, the public can see the current number of confirmed cases as of that day. The data includes the cases considered active or in recovery, along with the number of tests administered. The data is also available in map format.
“This dashboard provides our local residents with an updated and accurate picture of the spread of the virus in Hays County,” Ingle said. “It’s also important to note the number of individuals who have recovered from the virus in each city.”
The dashboard was created by City of San Marcos GIS staff in cooperation with emergency operations and the communications team. It will be updated daily by officials with the Hays County Local Health Department.
The online tool, along with other important information about the City’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, is available on our website
:
www.sanmarcostx.gov/covid19info
.
County residents may visit
Good hygiene practices are essential:
Prevention Tips:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day, including between your fingers and underneath your nails. Handwashing is considered the best way to remove germs and dirt, and hand sanitizers should be used only when handwashing is not available. The hand sanitizers should be at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective.
- Avoid handshaking and high-fives
- Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you feel sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue then put the tissue in the trash, or use the crook of your elbow if a tissue isn’t available
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe. Clean cell and desk phones, computer keyboards, door handles, and work surfaces often.
- Face masks are not considered an effective way to prevent someone from catching a virus unless you have close, frequent contact with a sick person; however, they are an option for sick people to use to keep from spreading the virus.
- Avoid travel to areas that have been designated high-risk areas because of multiple verified cases of Corona
- Individuals are encouraged to avoid large gatherings. This includes, but is not limited to concerts, plays, sporting events, gymnasiums, dances, and restaurants. Recreation activities that can be practiced in private are encouraged. This virus spreads by person-to-person transmission just like the flu, so limiting human contact can help prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
|
|
City of Buda Conducting Business Virtually
|
|
To follow the social distancing guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDD), all City offices will be conducting business virtually. This means there will be no walk-ins, with all business being done via telephone and computer
.
You can contact City Departments directly at the numbers below:
Public Works (512-312-2876)
Buda Police Department - Non-Emergency - (512-393-7896)
Parks and Recreation (512-523-1081)
Utility Billing - (512-295-8845)
Municipal Court - (512-295-2562)
Library - (512-295-5899)
Planning, Permitting, and Engineering - (512-312-5745)
Utility billing and municipal court payments may be paid online here:
https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/budatx
. Additional ways to make utility payments include online through your bank, over the phone at 512-295-8845, and by mail to 405 E. Loop St., Building 100, Buda, Texas. Customers can also utilize the utility payment drop boxes at the front entrance of the building and near the library book drop. The Utility Billing e-mail that residents should use to communicate with Utilities is
utilitybilling@ci.buda.tx.us
.
Municipal Court:
Buda Municipal Court will be closed to the public starting March 20th. The decision is made in an effort limit the number of individuals gathering in a confined space to reduce the risks to public health. Although operations are closed to the public, individuals may still contact the Court by phone and email to get information and handle their cases; many options are available that do not require a personal appearance.
All court dockets are cancelled. Cases that are set on dockets will be rescheduled to a date after May 8th; individuals will be notified by mail of their new court date.
All individuals are encouraged to call 512-295-2562 or email the Court
budamunicipalcourt@ci.buda.tx.us
in lieu of making personal appearances to take care of their court business.
Park rentals, library programs and all City-sponsored events are suspended until further notice.
Additional online resources:
Licenses, Permits and Fees:
You can view City Council meetings online here:
For more information on Buda Library Services:
|
|
As a reminder, you can visit the City's website at
www.ci.buda.tx.us/coronavirusinformation
for the latest on COVID-19. This page includes the Governor's Order, Hays County Order, and Mayor George Haehn order. We have also embedded the COVID-19 Dashboard from Hays County with the latest number of cases.
|
|
Buda Counts: Census Questionnaire Online
|
|
You can now take the census questionnaire online by visiting the Census 2020 website at
https://2020census.gov/
. From March 12 to March 20 homes will receive official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail. Computers are available at the Buda Public Library and staff will help you get started! Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.
|
|
|
City of Buda Accepting Applications
For Boards and Commissions
Deadline Extended
|
|
A citizen’s point of view provides valuable insight into the operations of the City’s and Council's decision-making process. The job of Board and Commission members is crucial to the success of Buda's representative government. The Buda City Council is accepting completed application forms from City of Buda citizens interested in serving on one of our various boards and commissions. Deadline to apply has been extended.
|
|
City of Buda WaterSmart Customer Portal Open
|
Minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year
.
Sign up for leak alerts.
|
|
|
|
City of Buda
Job Opportunities
|
Interested in joining our team? Check out our latest employment opportunities.
|
|
Thank you for subscribing to "The Big Picture" weekly newsletter! It's a "Budaful" way to keep up with the latest City news.
Sincerely,
City of Buda
|
|
|
|
405. E Loop St., Building 100
Buda, TX 78610
512-312-0084
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
