Garland City Press Briefs

June 21, 2020

This Week's News

The Garland Health Department has received reports of 643 active cases out of 1,473 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Garland residents since the beginning of the pandemic, as well as 22 deaths. The City will update its posted case numbers each afternoon after 2 p.m.

Reopening of City Services and Facilities
The City of Garland is reopening City offices and facilities in a phased approach. The status of various City functions and a timeline of anticipated reopenings is updated on the City Service Updates page.

Garland Resident COVID-19 Testing Program
The City of Garland has partnered with a lab to provide up to 100 COVID-19 tests per day for Garland residents during June and July. To be eligible for the test, you must be a Garland resident and provide documentation of residency. Persons being tested must also be age 2 or older. For full details, visit GarlandTX.gov.

Rental Assistance and Other Resources

Several rent and mortgage assistance programs related to COVID-19 are being prepared in conjunction with federal guidelines, as well as medical, counseling, nonprofit and other forms of assistance. The first programs became available June 1, and additional programs will come online in the coming weeks. Learn more.

Update Regarding Utility Bills

The City of Garland Utility Customer Service Department continues to work with customers who have fallen behind on their Garland utility bills. Please be aware that termination notices and disconnections have resumed. To avoid disruption of service, please contact Customer Service at 972-205-2671 or CustServ@GarlandTX.gov. Representatives are standing by ready to help customers by providing extensions, payment plans or information about utility bill payment assistance programs.

City Increases Exemptions for Property Taxes

Certain homeowners in Garland will benefit from additional exemptions on their property taxes beginning in the 2020 tax year.

The Garland City Council approved two exemption increases during their June 16 Regular Meeting. Those who are able to claim a Homestead Exemption on their property will receive a 10% exemption in 2020, compared to 8% in previous years.

Learn more.

Neighborhood Leader Meet & Greet (Virtual) Tuesday, June 23

Join us for our first virtual Neighborhood Leader Meet & Greet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23!

You'll hear City updates and learn how other Garland neighborhood leaders are investing in their community.

Garland Goodness

A rock. A note. A simple act of kindness has led to an unexpected friendship between two strangers. Check out this touching story as told by Garland resident Mary Pundmann from the Firewheel Estates neighborhood.

If you have a Garland Goodness story to share with us, you can share on social media and tag @garlandtxgov. Use the hashtags #GarlandGoodness, #MYMGarland, and #OnlyinGarland or email your stories to Saul Garza.

Summer Fun for Everyone Through July 31!

Whether you are a kid, teen or adult, you can participate in this year's virtual summer reading program for your age group. In addition to the pleasure you receive from reading a good book, you may also earn prizes!

Several craft programs will include packets you can choose to pick up curbside if you don't already have the supplies at home.

Learn more at Library.GarlandTX.gov. For more information about the children's and teen reading programs, call 972-205-2516. For information about the adult reading program, call 972-205-2502.

Home Improvement Incentive Rebate

Great homes make great neighborhoods! Take advantage of this new resource for residents making improvements to their homes in Garland.

Eligible applicants can receive a 50% cash rebate on pre-approved exterior work up to $10,000. Download the program policy and application packet at GarlandNeighborhoods.org .

Events & Announcements

Plan Commission

June 22

The Garland Plan Commission meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

City Council Meetings

June 23

City Council will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23.

Due to COVID-19 public gathering restrictions, the meetings will be virtual. You can watch the meetings online. The virtual meeting link will be included in the individual meeting agenda. You may participate by telephone. Dial-in numbers will be posted with the virtual meeting information.

View agendas at GarlandTX.gov and be sure to click the "subscribe" button to receive notifications when meeting agendas are posted.

Fight the Bite!

While the coronavirus cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites, the City of Garland reminds residents to protect themselves against other mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus by limiting outdoor activity during evening and early morning hours and wearing light-colored, long-sleeve clothing while outdoors.
Remember also to eliminate any standing water on your property as this is where mosquitoes lay eggs. Learn more at GarlandTX.gov.

Make an Appointment to Adopt a Pet

Garland Animal Services is still open to the public. Please call 972-205-3570 to make an appointment before entering the shelter. Due to high call volumes, we ask that you leave a voicemail with your name, phone number and the ID of the animal you are interested in. We will get back to you as soon as possible. For more information, contact AnimalServices@GarlandTX.gov .

Public & Media Relations
P.O. Box 469002 | Garland, Texas 75046
Garland@GarlandTX.gov | GarlandTX.gov