Posted Fri., Feb. 19, 2021

Georgia Renter Assistance Program: On Friday, February 19, 2021, Governor Kemp announced that the State of Georgia has received more than $552 million in stimulus funds through the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program to be used for a Georgia Rental Assistance Program. (Information on how and where to apply to be posted.)

 The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will administer the State of Georgia Rental Assistance (GRA) program, which will be subject to US Treasury guidelines.

 Payment would be made to the landlords and utility providers, directly, and may not exceed 12 months. Under some circumstances, some households could qualify for a total of 15 months.

 Households meeting all following criteria will be eligible (information summarized):

• Qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19; and
• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
• Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to 1) households below 50 percent of the AMI, or 2) households with one or more individuals who have been unemployed 90 days or longer at the time of application.

The CDC Eviction Moratorium has been extended until March 31.

DCA anticipates launching the public application portal in March, and additional program details will be available soon. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaRentalAssistance.ga.gov.

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Posted Tues., May 26, 2020 - 

Cobb is considering a rental assistance item today that would be funded out of a portion of the CARES funding that they received.  The agenda item can be found here.  https://cobbcoga.civicclerk.com/Web/GenFile.aspx?ar=4417

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Posted / Updated: Monday, March 16, 2020 at 4:28 p.m.)

Community Development: The Community Development Department has posted information on how to reach and work with the Department during this national health emergency response. How to Do Business with Community Development During COVID-19 Response

Special Note: Due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the Smyrna community, our residents and our businesses, the City of Smyrna will not be disconnecting water services for non-payment for the next 60 days. The health of our community comes first and having access to water is essential in the prevention and the further spread of COVID-19. In addition, the City will not apply late fees to the unpaid balances for the next 60 days to help ease the financial strain these times present.

Water Service: Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, for 60 days, the City of Smyrna will not be disconnecting water service for non-payment and will not apply late fees to the unpaid balances for the next 60 days. During regular business hours, the payment window on the side of City Hall is open for payment. Online payments are also available (Utilities).

Taxes: You may make payment through the drive-through option and online. 

Public Works (Permitting / Schedules): Effective March 30, 2020, the Public Works Department is suspending all right-of-way permitting and work – with the exception of emergency repair of existing utilities, only – for 30 days. Additionally, the Public Works Department will be adjusting staffing with a new work plan to help minimize employee risk and exposure during this national health emergency. Changes will not reduce service schedules to Smyrna customers at this time. 

Fire Marshal / Outdoor Burning Suspended: As of March 20, 2020, Outdoor Burning is suspended due to COVID-19 impacts. The Fire Department - Smyrna Fire Marshal's Office has suspended (indefinitely) the issuance of burn permits and all outdoor burning activities in response to the spread of COVID-19. Outdoor burning if any kind is NOT allowed.

Power: Update (April 7, 2020 - Georgia Power announces expansion of suspending disconnections https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/georgia-powers-suspension-of-disconnects-to-continue-during-covid-19-pandemic-301036810.html?fbclid=IwAR0tKwIA74IkcS0YrsRmNsXxbvhypLh8CH6Cy9UPiD_rVU2EqP9rdPq_wMM ) Georgia Power  announced that beginning March 14, they would temporarily suspend residential services disconnections for 30 days. They indicated that that time that they would evaluate the policy as the situation develops. Cobb EMC had similar announcement that they would be suspending disconnections for 30 days, originally 

Gas Service: Atlanta Gas Light has suspended disconnections for nonpayment for seven days from now for residential and commercial customers until the company decides how best to move forward for its customers. Gas South, who has a resident rate agreement with the City of Smyrna is expected to suspend disconnections and collections for 30 days.

Housing (Assistance Information/Links - when available): document in development

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is focused on serving the business community and consumers throughout the pandemic. 

• Consumer information: BBB.org/coronavirus
• Business information: BBB.org/coronavirus-business  
• BBB’s Resource Page for Georgia: bbb.org/article/news-releases/21882-coronavirus-covid-19-resources-for-georgia
• Report a Scam:  BBB.org/scamtracker/
• To report Price Gouging: BBB.org/adtruth

If you have questions concerning evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cobb County Magistrate Court staff compiled frequently asked questions and answers concerning evictions during the Judicial Emergency. You can find them at: https://www.cobbcounty.org/communications/…/covid-19-updates. For specific information, please visit cobbcounty.org/courts/magistrate-court or call the Cobb County Magistrate Court at 770-528-8900. Clerks are answering the phone 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Added (Tues., April 14, 2020): Smyrna Hot Meals Program Expands, New Local Partners and New Distribution Locations added at Jonquil Park and Chuck Camp Park

The Smyrna Hot Meals program, in partnership with Atkins Park and Tillman House, is expanding to meet the needs of our community. We are pleased to announce that local restaurants Zucca Pizzeria and Wade's are joining the effort.

Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the past two weeks 150 hot meals for those in need in our community have been available for pickup at the Tillman House from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm. They have started running out of food, and are expanding the program from 150 to 350 meals per day to meet the needs of families in Smyrna as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 4:00 pm-5:00 pm at:

• Jonquil Park - 2411 Spring Road
• Chuck Camp Park - 2270 Benson Poole Road
• Tillman House - 940 Concord Road

Please spread the word to those in need, and if you'd like to contribute please visit www.supportsmyrna.org or
www.shelbygiving.com/App/Giving/smyrnafumc (Tillman House Food Drive Fund in the drop down box).

If you'd like to volunteer please call the Tillman House at 770 435-0851.