RES 20-004bRESOLUTION NO. 20-004
A RESOLUTION confirming the adoption of the ‘Support Local and
Save’ program.
WHEREAS, Governor Jay Inslee in Amending Proclamation 20-23.1, strongly encouraged all
utilities to take reasonable actions to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their
utility customers caused by this crisis, including but not limited to: acting to prevent disconnection of
services due to non-payment during the term of the state-wide emergency declaration; waiving late
payments and fees; and using payment plans to fulfill customer outstanding balances. Governor further
“strongly encourage municipal and public utility boards and commissions to delegate authority to senior
utility executives to take any and all actions necessary or appropriate to mitigate the economic impacts
to their utility customers to address the COVID-19 crisis”; and
WHERAS, the Attorney General of Washington on March 17, 2020 provided guidance on
“Analyzing Issues Related to Gifts of Public Funds During the COVID-19 Pandemic”. In this analysis,
the Attorney General noted “protecting public health is without question a fundamental purpose of
government” as well as the “promotion of the public welfare” provides a “strong basis for state and local
governments to make expenditures for the primary purpose of protecting and promoting public health
which may have an incidental benefit on private citizens and entities.”
WHEREAS, RCW 35.92.020(5) authorizes cities to provide assistance to aid low-income
persons in connection with services provided under RCW 35.92 and RCW 35.67.020(5) and Article 8
Section 7 of the state constitution permits “gifts” of public funds in support of “poor or infirm”; and
WHEREAS, disruptions to workers and small businesses are serious, as small businesses are
the backbone of our economy, and provide the foundation of employment, services for the community,
and revenue in order for cities and other public agencies to continue to provide essential services for the
public welfare and benefit; and
WHEREAS, citizens are required to practice social distancing, which is a benefit to public
health, but could present a detriment to ongoing business operations with the decrease in customer
numbers; and
WHEREAS, state agencies and partners are working to swiftly respond to the economic
impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on Washington State; and
WHEREAS, small business plays a vital role in the overall health and welfare of Camas’
citizens; and
WHEREAS, resources are necessary to help small businesses survive and certain small
businesses reasonably require public aid in order to survive; and
WHEREAS, incentives to Camas residents to support local small businesses will generate
higher sales tax receipts to the City; and
WHEREAS, the Camas City Council recognizes that one of its essential functions is to
promote public health by mitigating the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their utility
customers and the City Council has the authority to designate General Fund resources including sales
tax toward such functions; and
WHEREAS, on April 10, 2020 the Mayor announced the adoption by the City Finance
Department of a program known as ‘Support Local and Save’ relating to certain utility billing reductions
as incentives for Camas residents to frequent local business;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAMAS AS
FOLLOWS:
I
The Camas City Council hereby confirms the adoption of the “Support Local and Save” program
which encourages residents to shop and dine in local small businesses in the City pursuant to the terms
as set forth within the attached Exhibit A.
II
The City Council shall at a future date within this fiscal year appropriate an increase in sales tax
to fund utility billing discounts occasioned by the ‘Support Local and Save’ program
III
The ‘Support Local and Save’ program as adopted shall be in effect through the term of the
Emergency Proclamation issued by the Mayor dated March 18, 2020.
ADOPTED at a regular Council meeting this 20th day of April, 2020.
SIGNED:_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:_________________________________
Clerk
APPROVED as to form:
_______________________________
City Attorney
The new program, which begins April 11, is based on the City of Newberg, Oregon’s Support Local
Challenge. Here’s how it works:
• Residents are encouraged to make shopping and dining purchases from Camas merchants in the
downtown area and throughout the city.
• Eligible purchases include gift cards, food, goods and services.
• Residents save their receipts showing the business name, date, and amount of purchase.
• Residents may submit to City of Camas a total of $125 in receipts for a total savings of $75.
• When they have a total of $25 in receipts (this could be one receipt or multiple), they are eligible
to receive $15 off their utility bill.
• Residents can then email a scan or photo of the receipts to finance@cityofcamas.us, mail them to
City of Camas Finance Department, 616 NE 4th Ave, Camas WA 98607, or drop them in the City Hall
drop box.
• All receipts must be accompanied by the name on the utility account, account number, address
and contact phone or email.
• Support Local & Save will begin on Sat., April 11, and run through May 31, 2020; the City will
reassess the program’s duration as the COVID-19 situation evolves.