by Becky Andrus | Dec 10, 2020 | Regional News
Information on Applying for the Pure Michigan Grant
The Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative will utilize CARES Act funding to provide $10 million in grants to meet the urgent need of Michigan small businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
Applications for businesses to apply will open on Dec. 15, 2020 at 9:00 A.M.
The Michigan Municipal League is the grant administrator statewide. Information on the program can be found here:
Businesses can prepare in advance as the application and questions have now been posted. Please click on the button below to see a copy of the application and learn what materials you will need to apply.
Interested eligible businesses should take the time to review the application and be ready to fill it out on Dec. 15 as the program is on a first-in basis. Make sure to prepare in advance as this grant will go quickly!
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by Becky Andrus | Dec 9, 2020 | Regional News
Oakland County Launches Inaugural Employee Equity Council
Pontiac, Michigan – County Executive David Coulter today announced the formation of the inaugural Oakland County Equity Council.
The 31-member council is comprised of employees from nearly every county department or office of an elected county official, including the county executive, sheriff, treasurer and water resource commissioner; Oakland County Circuit Court, Oakland County Probate Court and 52nd District Court; and departments such as economic development, health & human services, information technology and parks and recreation.
“Diversity is one of the strengths of Oakland County,” Coulter said. “We look to the council to create a culture for our employees that respects diversity and creates policies that promote equity and inclusion internally and in the critical services we provide to the public. I applaud and thank the employees selected for the council on their commitment and willingness to help operationalize equity in county government.”
The council is led by Robin Carter-Cooper, the county’s first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.
Coulter and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners collaborated to create the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer position earlier this year. Coulter said more than 30 percent of Oakland County’s population is ethnically diverse. It is important county policies ensure its workforce reflects the county’s diversity and that county government is an active community partner in promoting equity initiatives.
The council will hold monthly meetings. Members are required to complete 20 hours of training each year they serve. Members are encouraged to share the work of the council with their respective county departments. More than 100 employees applied to be considered for the council.
Learn more at www.oakgov.com/equity
by Becky Andrus | Dec 9, 2020 | Recreation
Adopt A Furry Friend At ‘Empty The Shelters’ Event This Week At The Oakland County Animal Shelter And Pet Adoption Center
Reduced Fee Thanks To BISSELL Pet Foundation
Pontiac, Michigan – If you’ve always wanted a dog or a cat but have been putting it off, the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center and BISSELL Pet Foundation (BPF) may help you make your decision a little easier – and at a huge savings.
Beginning today through Friday, pet adoption fees have been slashed from $139.50 to $25 for a dog and $15 from $57.50 for a cat, courtesy of Bissell and its Empty the Shelters promotion. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pet adoption center is open by appointment-only from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily. Prospective pet owners should call 248-858-1070 to schedule an appointment.
“Pets make wonderful companions and there is no better time to bring home a pet,” said Bob Gatt, center manager. “The Bissell Pet Foundation continues to be a generous partner and we are grateful for its support during the pandemic.”
All animals included in the Empty the Shelters promotion are microchipped and spayed or neutered to prevent further pet homelessness. To adopt a pet, bring a driver’s license or state identification, complete an application, and pay the $25 fee.
About 25 dogs and 70 cats are available for adoption. Some of the dogs will be adopted through a rescue organization that will be on site. For more information or to view the pet inventory online, go to OakGov.com/PetAdoption.
This is the seventh Empty the Shelter promotion by Bissell this year. Since inception in 2016, more than 40,500 pets have found new homes. Bissell supports nearly 170 shelters.
by Becky Andrus | Dec 9, 2020 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor 10,000 Michigan Lives Lost to COVID-19
As of this order, the coronavirus has infected 410,295 and killed 10,138 people in Michigan.
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff for 10 days — representing one day per 1,000 deaths – immediately on Tuesday, December 8 through Friday, December 18 to honor and mourn those who have lost their lives due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Right now, more than one out of every 1,000 Michiganders has lost their lives to this virus.
“Our nation is grieving alongside each of the families who have an empty seat at the dinner table each night or who will be missing family members during the holiday season,” Whitmer said. “Right now, we need to listen to our scientists and medical professionals who are asking us to double down on wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing to prevent an unnecessarily greater loss of life. With a vaccine on the horizon, there is light at the end of the tunnel, but we each need to do our part until then. We will get through this together.”
The State of Michigan recognizes and mourns the lives lost to the coronavirus by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, December 19, 2020.
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by Becky Andrus | Dec 9, 2020 | Regional News
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
Treasury: Businesses Affected by COVID-19 Epidemic Orders Provided Tax Assistance
Penalties and Interest Waived on Sales, Use and Withholding Taxes through Jan. 20, 2021
LANSING, Mich. – Businesses that require social gatherings for customers and have experienced disrupted operations due to COVID-19 epidemic orders now have additional time to make their December sales, use and withholding tax monthly payment, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Effective immediately, most entertainment and recreational venues and restaurants that depend on indoor dining scheduled to make their monthly sales, use and withholding tax payments on Dec. 20, 2020, can postpone filing and payment requirements until Jan. 20, 2021. The state Treasury Department will waive all penalties and interest for 31 days.
“Allowing small businesses affected by COVID mitigation protocols more time to pay their taxes will provide some crucial support to business owners that are struggling right now,” said Governor Whitmer. “My administration will continue working around the clock to provide more support for our businesses as we head into the cold winter months and continue working to eradicate COVID-19 in Michigan. I also urge the Michigan Legislature to work with me to pass a $100 million relief package for our small businesses and families that have been hit hard by this pandemic. Remember, Michiganders: be smart, wear a mask, practice safe social distancing, and support your local small businesses this holiday season.”
“We understand the operational challenges being faced by restaurants and entertainment venues,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Changing some tax deadlines will provide some help to businesses as they navigate their way through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The waiver is not available for accelerated sales, use or withholding tax filers. Businesses with questions should call the Treasury Business Tax Call Center at 517-636-6925 or through Michigan Treasury Online.
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