Pierce County Council to offer small business loans amid coronavirus concerns
The Pierce County Council voted Tuesday to offer up to $10,000 in zero-interest loans for small businesses and to waive late fees for sewer customers.
There were a total of four bills passed to create economic relief for businesses and residents after Gov. Jay Inslee called for a “stay at home” order, telling all non-essential businesses to close and Washingtonians to stay at home.
The council moved to amend the budget, identifying $640,000 to fund the zero-interest, 12-month loans to small businesses. The companies could borrow $2,000 per employee, totaling no more than $10,000.
Pierce County sewer customers also will see fines for late fees or interest waived on sewer payments during the 90-day emergency declaration period. Those with businesses will be charged for water usage this year, rather than a projection based upon last year’s usage to provide economic relief.
“The Planning and Public Works Department may extend this period for up to an additional 90 days upon notice to Council,” the legislation said.
Another bill that passed delayed the sewer system’s electronic billing site to avoid creating any uncertainty for businesses. The new billing system was expected to go online April 1, but it will now be delayed until Aug. 1.
County Executive Bruce Dammeier has already signed the bills, so they go into effect immediately.
