Elon Aldermen discusses coronavirus relief funds and new gathering order

The town of Elon Board of Alderman had their monthly agenda planning meeting Monday night to discuss items to vote on for next week’s voting session, which ranged from budgetary changes with new coronavirus relief funds, to readjust town social gathering guidelines.

The plans to make budget adjustments involve the over $140,000 in coronavirus relief funds provided to the town by the county, which Town Manager Richard Roedner spoke on.

“The town is required to request reimbursement for items each month,” Roedner said. “All the funds need to be spent before December 31.” 

The town would seek reimbursement on items purchased for new social distancing measures in town, such as outdoor dining tables, barriers, costs of reassigning public works employees as well as proposed personal protection equipment for townspeople.

“With part of the coronavirus funding we have received, we are proposing to use some of that money to purchase masks for residents,” Roedner said, “Considering the coronavirus money, we need to adjust the budget based on changing needs for the foreseeable future.”

They also brought up plans to update technology in town hall for more permanent solutions in regards to virtual streams of meetings. 

Roedner introduced plans to adjust the emergency town ordinance regarding social gatherings, which was originally put in place on March 20. 

“We are preparing a new emergency declaration that would keep the gathering sizes between 10 and 25,” Roedner said. “Not going to limit business or things of that nature, but will limit social gatherings to 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.”

This comes after Gov. Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina. would be moving into Phase 2.5 of easing coronavirus restrictions, which includes increasing indoor gathering numbers from 10 to 25, and outdoor gatherings from 25 to 50.

Roedner stressed that while the university is doing well with social distancing guidelines, maintaining current restrictions will ensure that the school stays open with low case numbers. 

“We have talked to the school about the recommendation,” Roedner said. “Sticking with that is something we should undertake to keep everybody healthy.”