The city has waived some fees starting April 14, though they were set to be reinstated beginning June 1. City Council members agreed at a May 26 workshop that the fees should be waived for an additional 30 days.

Those waived include temporary sign application fees; security systems false alarm fees; GoGEO fares and paratransit fees; and utility billing late fees to include water, electric, sanitation, stormwater and wastewater.

Council also agreed to maintain the city’s disaster declaration despite Williamson County ending the countywide declaration May 19. Staff recommended continuing the declaration, as it provides the authority to the mayor to implement special rules or adjust operations if needed, City Manager David Morgan said. It also increases liability protection for the city and any volunteers or others acting on the city’s behalf in response to the disaster, allows for a formal assistance request from the state and federal government, and is tied to justification for emergency funds and grant applications.

In other COVID-19 news, Morgan said the city is working to carry out the state’s May 11 direction that 100% of staff and residents at nursing homes be tested for coronavirus. All facilities licensed under the Texas Department of Health and Human Services are to receive testing, and fire departments have been empowered to assist, Morgan said.

There are three nursing facilities in Georgetown and 29 other long-term care facilities including assisted living, hospice and home health.