Garland City Press Briefs

June 7, 2020

This Week's News

The Garland Health Department has received reports of 988 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Garland residents, as well as 19 deaths. The City will update its posted case numbers each afternoon after 2 p.m.

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 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 utility bills. Please be aware that termination notices have resumed and disconnects will begin the week of June 15. 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.

Reopening of City Services and Facilities
The Garland City Council continues to work with staff to formulate a safe and compassionate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The status of various City functions and a timeline of anticipated reopenings is updated on the City Service Updates page.

P.A.I.D. Program Lets You Help Neighbors with Utility Bills

Your goodness has not gone unnoticed during these tough times. And there are still ways you can Make Your Mark to help neighbors in need. It's as easy as rounding up your utility bill payment to contribute to Provide Aid in Dollars (P.A.I.D.).

Take a look at how you can P.A.I.D. it forward.

Information on how to apply for the P.A.I.D. program is also available on the Utility Customer Service webpage .

Summer Nutrition Program Begins Tomorrow

The City of Garland has proudly supported the Summer Nutrition Program for more than 20 years and wants to ensure the youth in the community continue to receive a meal during the summer break.

CitySquare, an advocacy organization that works to fight poverty in the community, will oversee the 2020 program. The program provides free meals for children ages 1 to 18, Monday through Friday, June 8 through Aug. 7.

Visit GarlandTX.gov for more information and to find a site near you.

Have You Completed the 2020 Census?

The U.S. Census Bureau, in coordination with federal, state and local health officials, began to drop off 2020 census questionnaire packets at front doors of households in Texas last week.

Fill yours out today! It only takes about 10 minutes to answer 10 questions. You can also complete the one-page form online by phone. It is provided in numerous languages, and your data is confidential. Learn more.

Events & Announcements

Plan Commission

June 8

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

City Council Meetings

June 9

City Council will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 9.

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.

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