Garnett City Officials are expecting significant revenue losses to Garnett’s Reserves as a result of the COVID 19 crisis, however, City Manager Chris Weiner, says it’s too early to do much more than speculate, as he doesn’t have a good estimate on the reduction of sales tax or utility collections. The City implemented a “No Shut Off” rule during the COVID 19 Emergency, promising not to disconnect utilities from customer homes for nonpayment. Through March, delinquent accounts had run about average, according to City Clerk, Travis Wilson. But Weiner was sure the numbers could be big when finally counted up. He says it could be up to $1.6 million less than budgeted. He says sales tax revenues could be off as much as $200,00 due to business closings and general reduction in taxable sales ,as area residents saw job cutbacks or losses, holed up at home and held onto their money. He’s hoping he is wrong, but says it will be largely dependent on how long the shutdown lasts and the extent of the ensuing economic recovery.
