Council Adopts Twelfth Order of Council That Supersedes Previous Orders
DENTON, TX, March 17, 2021 – On Tuesday, March 16, the Denton City Council voted to extend the Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency first executed by Mayor Chris Watts on Friday, March 13, 2020. The declaration will now be in effect through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
In addition, the Council adopted a new Twelfth Order of Council, which will supersede previous orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Order shall be in effect beginning 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
Included within the Twelfth Order of Council:
All businesses and establishments in Denton are strongly encouraged to continue to follow and implement the health and safety precautions and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as they may be amended or updated;
Fees and charges relating to the nonpayment of utilities will not accrue during the period for which the order is in effect;
The City Manager maintains the authority to create standard operating procedures and administrative directives, as necessary, to protect the safety of employees and the public, including adopting procedures and directives related to personnel, or to open, close, or otherwise alter the operation of facilities or services of the City of Denton;
The City Manager is authorized to expend no more $3,500,000, including previously authorized funds, from the general fund reserve balance during this period to fund essential response activities and functions not already budgeted. Of this amount, $250,000 will be authorized for housing assistance.
Authority for the City Manager to accept on behalf of the City services, gifts, grants, equipment, supplies, and/or materials whether from private, nonprofit, or government sources; and
- Continued authorization for an additional $125,000 for utility assistance.
All businesses and establishments in Denton must abide by Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-34 as it may be amended, preempted, or superseded. The Twelfth Order of Council places no additional obligations or restrictions Denton businesses or establishments beyond what is provided in GA-34.
Residents needing utility assistance are asked to call City of Denton Customer Service at
940-349-8700 in order to be referred to a utility assistance provider.
A copy of the Order of Council and its full provisions is attached and will be available online at www.cityofdenton.com. Visit www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus for additional updates.