NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville city leaders are looking at ways to save money after the March 3 tornado and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A memo went out to department heads Thursday with directives on how to reign in spending.
This letter went out while Councilman @mendesbob and I were hosting the virtual budget meeting. The administration is making moves to reducing spending in anticipation of significant revenue loss. Just more insight into the city’s financial position. pic.twitter.com/lfcOeGBTl6
— Kyonzte Toombs (@toombsfortwo) March 27, 2020
The bottom line, if the spending doesn’t have to do with the recent tornado or COVID-19, the city is looking at reducing it to help with anticipated loss in revenue this year.
Hiring or promotions are halted unless it’s related to public safety or essential services. They're suspending out of town travel unless absolutely necessary. That means no traveling for meetings, conferences or anything unless it’s required for public safety.
Any spending not related to the tornado or the coronavirus should be deferred or cancelled for the rest of this fiscal year 2020. This will postpone delivering the budget for a few weeks as the city looks at ways to save.
In the memo sent by director of finance Kevin Crumbo, human resources director Shannon Hall and chief of operations & performance Kristin Wilson it read:
"We truly appreciate your patience and support as we move swiftly to ensure Metro's financial wherewithal to provide essential services to our residents and visitors. This memo has been constructed as the sand moves under our feet, so we invite your questions and your suggestions to overcome any errors or omissions."
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
