COVID-19 FAQs

What is going on regarding the reopening of businesses, activities, and public spaces?
- Governor Hogan announced his Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery which establishes criteria and procedures for reopening the State.
- View the Governor’s Executive Orders and guidance (including revised stay-at-home order)
- Best practices for reopening buildings in which employees and constituents interact.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on disinfecting public spaces.
- ICMA provides seven things to consider when reopening communities.
- Denton’s posting to the public regarding re-opening the tennis courts.
- Salisbury Roadmap to Recovery
- Salisbury Restaurant Reopening Application
- Gaithersburg Phased Reopening Plan
What are some key items from recent federal legislation should municipalities should know about?
- New! Municipalities that reimburse the State for unemployment insurance claims made by former employees are required to only pay 50% of their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarter statement amount due to a change in federal law. More information from the Maryland Department of Labor.
- Employees of local governments are entitled to expanded paid sick and family leave.
- No direct funding for Maryland municipalities from the federal government
  - possible funding through the State, county, or other federal grant programs.
The State is sending federal CARES Act funds to county health departments (all except Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Montgomery, and Prince George’s which will receive federal funds directly) to offset COVID-19 related costs. How do municipalities access some of this funding?
- Every municipality with COVID-19 related expenses should reach out to your county health departments NOW to inquire:
  - how municipal requests will be accepted, processed, and funds distributed from their first allocation of funding, and
  - how future municipal needs will be accounted for in county plans for the second half of the fund allocation.
- Organize the documentation of your direct COVID related expenditures pursuant to guidance provided by your local health department.
- Here is a letter from Maryland Department of Management and Budget Secretary outlining the distribution process.
- New! Updated U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Inspector General, Coronavirus Relief Fund FAQ.
- New! U.S. Treasury Department FAQ related to Coronavirus Relief Fund.
- New! U.S. Treasury Department issued this guidance on what constitutes COVID-19 related expenses.
Are there resources for businesses and workers affected by the crisis?
- Yes, the Maryland Department of Commerce set up a website that offers assistance for employers, employees, finances, licensing, permitting, and emergency management.
- Maryland Department of Labor Secretary FAQ’s address many issues regarding unemployment insurance.
Is there a resource for our residents to learn more about how services (utilities, taxes, unemployment, rent/mortgage) are affected during the State of Emergency?
- The Office of People’s Counsel created this document to help answer some of those questions.
- Office of People Counsel brochure with resources for utility payment and food purchasing.
- Office of Home Energy Programs information on assistance with paying utility bills.
- Contact information for Office of Home Energy Programs.
What should municipalities know about the budgeting process specific to 2020?
- A good place to start would be MML’s yearly budget memos: Memo #1 Memo #2
- Steps to consider when budgeting during a crisis from ICMA
- 10 Tips to Stay Financially Organized During the Crisis
- If you are subject to the constant yield tax rate procedures, please review this guidance from SDAT.
What does state law allow municipalities to do during a crisis like this?
- Municipal Emergency Powers in Maryland
- The Battle of State & Local Emergency Orders in Maryland
- In addition to more general authorities, municipalities may establish a health board, impose a quarantine, and seek to reduce introduction of a disease into the community.
- Maryland State Law - Local Government Article, §5-209
What are some options for platforms to conduct a virtual meeting?
- While not endorsing any one platform, here are a few that others use.
- Facebook Live, FreeConferenceCall, GoToMeeting, Streamyard, Zoom
- Here are some tips to keep your virtual meeting secure.
How does the Open Meetings Act apply to virtual meetings?
- Virtual meetings are an option during times of social distancing but the Open Meetings Act requirements still apply.
- Maryland Municipal Attorneys Association Guidance on Virtual Meetings.
- Maryland Attorney General Open Meetings Act FAQ’s.
How should municipal elections that are set to occur soon be handled? Can the date be changed?
- Governor Hogan issued an Executive Orderon March 30 that allows for the suspension of the formal charter amendment process laid out in State law only as it pertains to municipal elections during the state of emergency.
  - With regard to providing "notice to the Governor," please send the information to Chris Mincher in the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel: Christopher.mincher@maryland.gov
  - Due to the particular nuances of each municipality it is strongly recommended that a municipal attorney is consulted to help navigate the process for each particular charter.
As essential employers, what are some issues municipalities should consider?
- Take a look at this list compiled from several sources to get a sense of issues to consider when making personnel decisions.
How should municipalities handle Public Information Act (PIA) requests?
- To the extent practicable, municipal record custodians should make a good faith effort to accommodate PIA requests.
- Understanding the current reality of limited staffing, the Maryland PIA Ombudsman provided recent guidance.
Is there a contact in the Governor’s office that can help answer questions?
- Former Annapolis Mayor Mike Pantelides is acting a the municipal liaison to the Governor’s office: mike.pantelides@maryland.gov