Council hears crisis report

BIG STONE GAP — Town Manager Steve Lawson provided a detailed rundown Tuesday night of all the ways business is no longer usual during the coronavirus pandemic.

Council held its meeting in Carnes Gym to allow proper physical distancing and via phone conference for those who could not or did not wish to meet in person.

Lawson spoke of the economic impact the virus will have on the town and its residents. Because town hall is closed to the public, the town has waived fees associated with paying water bills over the phone.

“The budget will probably be blown,” said Lawson. “The upcoming budget will reflect some of the hard choices we have had to make.”

Lawson also stated that the town is looking at water bills, business licenses and taxes on a “case-by-case” basis for those who are struggling to pay. “I can assure you that we will try to work with anybody as much as we can.”

Lawson also stated that all trash will now have to be bagged in order to be picked up. If trash is not picked up, residents will be notified of the reason it wasn’t collected.

Lawson stated that the playground at Bullitt Park is closed and that police had broken up groups of more than 10 people playing basketball. He explained that police were handling large public groups outside, but complaints about crowded small businesses are being referred to the Department of Health.

Lawson also explained that the town is not reporting on COVID-19 cases in town because he does not receive that information.

“There have been community cries that we are not protecting our community like other surrounding communities,” said Lawson. “We aren’t making those announcements because I am not privy to that information.”

It was explained that Wise County emergency management coordinator Jessica Sweeney would be the one to receive updates for the county from the Virginia Department of Health, and that Norton City Manager Fred Ramey would receive updates for Norton.

Lawson stated that information released by other localities was not sanctioned by the Department of Health.

Council members also weighed in on the situation.

Mayor Gary Johnson stated that he wanted council members to coordinate with Lawson before making public statements about the virus spread to prevent any confusion or misinformation. “I hope and pray we see this thing through without any loss of life.”

Vice Mayor Nancy Bailey expressed her appreciation for town workers and asked that everyone “stay safe and in place.”
Council member Tyler Hughes encouraged everyone to follow all proper health procedures and remain calm.

Council member Crystal Lyke also had some words of encouragement. “Right now is a time that our town is strong. We are a small town and we pull together during our time of need.”

She continued: “Thank you all for setting this conference call up for those of us that couldn’t be there so we can still be there. If we stick together on this we can get through this together.”