by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
The Sartell City Council, at its Jan. 25 meeting, agreed unanimously to refund a total of $35,200 in on-sale liquor-license fees to 11 local bars/restaurants.
It was part of a resolution passed by the council in ongoing efforts to help smaller businesses stay afloat during the interconnected difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, small businesses in Sartell received just under $1 million last year in CARES Act funding approved by the U.S. Congress last March. CARES Act stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. A portion of that $2.2-trillion stimulus bill was intended to help businesses weather the virus crisis.
“It’s an awesome approach,” said Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum, referring to CARES funds and the city’s refunding of liquor-license fees. “They (the 11 bars/restaurants) all remain in business.”
