Mayor details actions in letter to citizens; feeding program to continue

With the announcement that the feeding program for children in Demopolis schools would no longer continue, arrangements are being made to provide meals through the Tuscaloosa Food Bank.

In a letter to residents of Demopolis, Mayor John Laney explained the program along with other actions being taken by the city to weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

Demopolis Fire/Rescue Chief Keith Murray said Friday that members of his department who live in the Tuscaloosa area will pick up the meals for school children each week and deliver them to Station 3 at the east side of the city.

Murray said plans are still being worked out, but he hopes the first run will Tuesday, April 7. Those picking up meals will drive through the station, and one of the officers wearing protective gear will place the packages in the car.

The meals will be the same as were distributed before spring break. There will be no perishables, and one packet will include meals for several days.

The following is the letter from Mayor John Laney:

To the Citizens of Demopolis:

I can’t say enough positive things about our citizens and their cooperation in helping to maintain social distancing. I believe the City’s early action and the citizens’ cooperation has contributed to our well-being to date.

Below is a list of things the City is doing to ensure the safety and well-being of the Citizens of Demopolis:

• Consults with the City Council members with concerns in their districts, and Department heads daily with issues they are facing during this time.
• Reviews City revenues for indication of weakness. To date we are on budget, but we expect weakness in the future. I’ve placed a hold on any new capital expenditures until we see where the economy takes us.
• Discussed problems with local businesses concerning non-essential business and sent their concerns via email to the governor, senators and state representatives.
• Discuss situation with the local healthcare officials and offered the City help where needed.
• Discussed with the Demopolis City Schools superintendent the termination of kids’ free meal program. The Demopolis Fire/Rescue Department is working with officials in Tuscaloosa to have the meals picked up by officers who work for the City of Demopolis that live in the Tuscaloosa area.
• Reached out to local pastors about the food needs of the Citizens of Demopolis. Based on information I received, we are reaching out to United Way in Tuscaloosa about setting up food deliveries in Demopolis.
• City is functioning well and open for business. Any questions or help you may need should be emailed to City Hall at revenue@demopolisal.gov, or call 334-289-0577.
• Unemployment applications at the Career Center are up somewhat, and we monitor this weekly. Week ending 21 March, Marengo County had 13 applications; 28 March, Marengo County had 158 applications. As of 21 March, the State of Alabama had 6,000 applications. March 28, the State of Alabama had 80,984 applications.

The Mayor and the City Council members would like to thank you all for cooperating during this time. Once again we encourage you to call or email City Hall with any concerns or questions you may have.