KINGSTON – As part of the COVID-19 response, Mayor Steven Noble, Kingston city staff, common council members, and volunteers have been working to assist residents during this time of crisis, while continuing to deliver all essential city services.
Noble’s first priority was ensuring that no one goes hungry, and began by supporting the Kingston Emergency Food Collaborative and assisting with the creation of an Emergency Food Hotline (888-316-0879). Dozens of city staff have been helping to facilitate the hotline, prepare and package meals, and distribute food. The Emergency Food Collaboration is now delivering over 1,000 meals and groceries to 75 families per day.
Mayor Noble announced Thursday that the City of Kingston has made an additional $30,000 contribution to both Family of Woodstock and People’s Place to further support these organizations in providing emergency food assistance, food delivery arrangements, emergency counseling, and more.
The mayor has provided additional support to the Emergency Food Hotline efforts by devoting IT efforts to developing the software; renting tents for both the YMCA and People’s Place food distribution points, and renting a portable food cooling unit for the YMCA. Additionally, Mayor Noble is contributing $12,000 to the YMCA for operating costs at the food distribution point.
The city has asked the governor’s office to extend the city’s second property tax payment, which due April 30, for 21 days.
The Kingston Water Department and Sewer Department has waived all water and sewer bill penalties starting on bill due dates beginning April 7 until at least May 12.
The city’s Office of Community Development has secured approximately $440,000 in CDBG Disaster Recovery Funds that will help those most in need in our community.
The Kingston Local Development Corporation is working to expand its small business loan program to support Kingston’s small businesses.
The city assessor has canceled all planned reassessments at this time. Assessments for all properties will remain the same except in the case of improvements, inventory adjustment or change of use.
