Monroe County is distributing reimbursements to local businesses for expenses directly tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Expenses might include cleaning supplies, personal protection equipment like face masks, or costs associated with changing the way a business operates (converting to curbside pickup, for example). 

Click here for details and to apply for reimbursements. Questions can be directed to the county's project administrator at  812-272-6355 or covid-cares@co.monroe.in.us.

Violation of the Monroe County health order now includes a possible fine of up to $500, following action by the Monroe County Board of Health.

Mandatory masks are part of a health order issued on July 17, though some requirements don't start until July 31. However, in the City of Bloomington the July 31 requirements will begin July 23 at noon, because Mayor John Hamilton signed an executive order to implement these county measures earlier:
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1. Private gatherings and non-commercial events are limited to 50 people. 
2. Public gatherings at commercial venues are limited to 100 people inside, 150 people outside. 
3. Restaurants, bars and nightclubs are limited to only table top service. Bar top service is not permitted. Establishments are required to space groups at least six feet apart, limit party size to 10 people, increase air ventilation to maximum capacity and are encouraged to use outdoor seating. 
4. Face covering and physical distance requirements from the Monroe County Health Department's public health order are still in effect in all these scenarios. 

The Board of Health's regulation takes effect at noon on Wednesday, July 22. Violating a Board of Health regulation is a Class C ordinance violation, allowing for fines of up to $500. The regulation recommends that individuals be fined $50, but only recommends that groups be fined at a higher, unspecified rate. It can be enforced by health department officials or any law enforcement officer.

The Monroe County Health Department is recruiting volunteers for the Medical Service Corps to help with local health and safety work. 

Volunteers currently are being deployed to help with the COVID testing site. When a COVID vaccine is available, volunteers will be needed to help at county health clinics.

​Click here for more info. To sign up, email monroemrc@co.monroe.in.us.

​Monroe County Commissioners and the Monroe County Health Department are providing free window clings for businesses and organizations to help promote wearing face masks. The Chamber is helping distribute these clings, as is Downtown Bloomington Inc.

To pick up your cling, contact the Chamber at 812-336-6381. They are also available when you pick up face masks and hand sanitizer through the Chamber's PPE program.

You can also get clings at the county courthouse square building's north door on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. til noon, and 1-5 p.m.  For more information, contact the Monroe County Commissioners' office at commissionersoffice@co.monroe.in.us or 812-349-2550.

Monroe County has issued a new public health order to take effect July 4. It follows Gov. Eric Holcomb's executive order for Stage 4.5 except for these deviations that will apply to Monroe County:
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1. Indoor gatherings are limited to no more than 100 people.
2. Outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than 150 people.
3. In order for a restaurant or bar to provide "bar top" service, they must protect bar supplies from possible contamination by patrons at the bar.
4. All businesses are required to post a sign (minimum size 8" by 10") at the main entrance by July 8th, 2020, that requests patrons wear a face covering while on the premises, in order to protect employees, other customers and those with whom they are in contact.

Click here to read the full order.

The Monroe County Health Department has provided two sample signs that businesses can use. Click here and here.

On Tuesday, June 30, the Monroe County Council is holding a special meeting to address community concerns about law enforcement resources. The session on Zoom begins at 6 p.m. and will be facilitated by Latosha Williams, associate director for residence life student conduct at Indiana University.

​Meeting details, including the agenda and Zoom link, are here.

The seven-member Monroe County Council is responsible for appropriating all funds for county use. The council adopts the county budget – including the sheriff's office budget – fixes the county tax rate, and has exclusive power to borrow money for the county.

As part of the process to update the Monroe County Consolidated Development Ordinance (CDO), county planning staff are asking residents to participate in focus groups in the coming months.

The focus groups are organized into these topics:

• Affordable Housing/Neighborhood Development
• Environmental Protections
• Engineering/Surveyors/Realtors/Architect/Land Use Lawyers
• Historic Preservation
• Citizen Advisory (made up of County residents)
• Economic Development
• Agricultural Provisions

Click here to sign up for a CDO focus group. Get more information about the CDO process here.

Andy Ruff prevailed in a field of 5 candidates for the Democratic Party nomination to the 9th District Congressional seat and will face incumbent Republican Trey Hollingsworth in November.

Here's a rundown of other winners in competitive races on June 2:

• State Senate District 40: Shelli Yoder (D)
• State Representative District 60: Peggy Mayfield (R)
• State Representative District 62: Jeff Ellington (R)
• Monroe County Council At-Large: Trent Deckard (D), Geoff McKim (D), Cheryl Munson (D)
• Monroe County Circuit Court Division 1: Geoff Bradley (D)
• ​Monroe County Circuit Court Division 8: Kara Krothe (D)

Click here for a full list of Monroe County election results in the June 2 primary. Candidates will move on to compete in the general election on Nov. 3. 

Wednesday, May 27 is the kickoff for the overhaul of Monroe County's zoning, known as the CDO (consolidated development ordinance). Party down, right?

Consultants hired by the county – McBride Dale Clarion – will give a presentation to the County Plan Commission starting at 5:30 p.m. On the 27th you can join the Zoom meeting here .

Check out the county's CDO site for more information.