HUMBOLDT — Applications for help with gas and electric bills are available at Humboldt City Hall as well as Thrive Allen County, Cole Herder, Humboldt administrator, said at Monday night’s meeting.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program, LIEAP, will accept applications up through March 31.
To qualify, individual recipients can make up to $1,383 a month. Additional household members raise the limit by $486 per person. For more information contact Thrive in Iola at 620-365-8128 or Humboldt City Hall at 620-473-3232.
PUBLIC works employees can expect to receive vaccinations for COVID-19 in March or April, Herder said. To date, those who work in the city’s fire and police departments and clerks have received the first of two shots.
“Not everyone has opted in,” to receive the inoculations, Herder said, and urged greater participation.
“In order for Humboldt to get back into business, we really need people to take the vaccine,” he said, estimating that 80% of adults should get the vaccine for the community to be safe.
“Our small businesses and restaurants won’t be able to open safely until they do.”
Herder noted a new strain of the virus originating in Great Britain has made its way to the United States.
“This ‘super strain’ is much more contagious than the current one,” he said. The good news is that the vaccines guard against it, too.
Less than 20% of city employees have tested positive for COVID. That’s five of 27.
“I commend our employees for taking precautions to limit exposure,” Herder said, including wearing face masks and social distancing. The city continues to take the temperatures of everyone who enters city hall.
Herder said the traditional Easter Egg hunt sponsored by the Lions Club might be affected because of the ongoing coronavirus. The hunt is scheduled for April 3.
IN OTHER news, officials are reviewing the need for new police vehicles as well as heavy equipment. Both of the city’s dump trunks are 36 years old.
“We’re looking to see how to replace them over the next several years,” Herder said, noting that their equipment reserve fund is fairly healthy.
The city’s water towers also need to be painted, Herder said, noting that was recommended “back in 2011.”
Officials also approved a cereal malt beverage license for Our Market.
