There is a lot of uncertainty regarding municipal services and the local economy going forward due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Chatham-Kent council received a report and update on the quickly changing response that the municipality is undertaking locally in dealing with the crisis at their council meeting on Monday night.
Council will receive a report on April 6 regarding possible municipal assistance in the wake of COV-19 impact to the economy.
Chatham-Kent’s Chief Financial Officer Gord Quinton said there has been a slowdown in the economy locally. He said there has been talk about some sort of potential targeted assistance for those who need it most.
Quinton said the report will include recommendations for council to consider, possibly including assistance for homeowners who have lost their job due to the pandemic.
There’s also a lot of uncertainty about upcoming municipal events, such as Retrofest, with many being possibly cancelled due to the pandemic.
Overall, the municipality plans on handing out just over $210,000 to 30 events.
However, councillor Aaron Hall wants Chatham-Kent to hold off on the funding until it can be determined the best way the municipality can support organizations that are forced to cancel their events because of the ongoing health crisis.
Monday night’s meeting was a first for Chatham-Kent, a virtual meeting held electronically thanks to changes in provincial emergency legislation.
Other issues discussed included routine planning and tender matters.
