Latest News

UPDATED:  April 3, 2020

Local Business Managers and Owners:

Today is the first day that business owners can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program. Please see the links below for new and updated information that may help you access resources created under the CARES Act (Phase III bill). This include an update to the guide they released several days ago on the Paycheck Protection Program.

Guide to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): https://www.uschamber.com/report/guide-sbas-economic-injury-disaster-loans

Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit: https://www.uschamber.com/report/guide-the-employee-retention-tax-credit

Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist (Paycheck Protection Program): https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/023595_comm_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final.pdf

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Treasury issued additional guidance regarding the Paycheck Protection Plan. If you are looking for additional information on the Paycheck Protection Program, you can find that here: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP%20Borrower%20Information%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

For an application for the Paycheck Protection Program, follow this link: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Application-3-30-2020-v3.pdf

Please consult your banking institution for more information on these programs. We will continue to post information that may be helpful to our local businesses as we move forward.

As a final note, the Rockford Economic Development Authority is working on creating a Local Emergency Loan Program to support our local businesses during this crisis. We could use your assistance in identifying areas of needed support and what would be helpful for your local business. Please contact Dan Madsen, City Administrator, to share your insight and help shape this new potential program. (763) 477-6565 ex:4, or danm@cityofrockford.org.

 

March 31, 2020:

The City of Rockford and Rockford Economic Development Authority are closely following the impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) on our economy and local business community. Staff have been attending webinars and speaking with local banks and business owners in an effort to understand what is needed in our local economy, what business support funding has been made available through local or state channels, as well as what may be available under the Federal CARES Act.

Under the “Federal Loans” section below you will find a link to the “streamlined process” for applying for currently available Federal loans. Both local and state programs are in various stages of review and should be available in the near future as well.

We will continue to provide updates and information as we receive it, and are exploring the potential to establish a Rockford EDA Emergency Loan Program that may help local businesses sustain and / or survive the impact of this current crisis.

State Loans
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has established a Small Business Emergency Loan Program pursuant to the Governor’s declaration of a Peacetime Emergency.

Small Business Emergency Loan
Following Executive Order 20-15, DEED has established a loan program to assist small businesses directly and adversely affected and whose industry is named in Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses are a vital part of Minnesota’s economy and this program will provide a source of working capital to help businesses sustain operations during this challenging time.
Businesses should apply directly through a certified lender. A list of lenders and application materials are available in the tabs on the website. Nonprofits are not eligible for this program.

The program is still being developed and loans will be available soon. Available information on this loan program can be found on the Mn DEED website here: https://mn.gov/…/financing-business/deed-programs/peacetime/.

Federal Loans
The Small Business Administration is in the process of accepting applications for a couple of existing loan programs, and will be releasing application materials to pre-authorized banks for other upcoming loan programs. These programs, and an overview of each, can be found here: https://www.sba.gov/…/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-g….

Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance:
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.

A “Streamlined Process” application can be found here: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/.

Additional Resources
There are also additional loan programs that have been approved by the CARES Act that are not yet available. These loans will be run through local banks that have been pre-approved by the SBA. These upcoming loan programs are much larger and may be tailored to support businesses more directly affected by the Covid-19 crisis. While outdated, a list of SBA approved banks that may be able to help with these new applications was recently listed on Page 38 of the 2019 SBA Small Business Resource Guide entitled “How to Grow Your Business in Minnesota. It should be noted that banks not listed here may now be SBA approved, while others may be in the process of applying for SBA approval.
https://www.sba.gov/…/de…/files/files/resourceguide_3122.pdf

Finally, for more information on the Covid-19 impact on businesses in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development website: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/employers/.

We will continue to provide updates and share additional information as it becomes available. We will also provide an outline of the potential Rockford Economic Development Loan Program as it takes shape and determine how it can supplement existing programs available to business owners in the City of Rockford.

ATTENTION Rockford Business Managers and Owners – Information regarding support funding through local and state channels, as well as the Federal CARES Act.Read More

If you have questions or are in need of assistance during the closure of municipal buildings, you can reach us by the following methods:

City Hall: (763) 477-6565

Public Works: (763) 477-4346

Fire Department: (763) 477-4840

cityhall@cityofrockford.org

If no one answers your call, please leave a message.  City Hall is staffed during normal business hours even though we are closed to the public. We will return your calls as soon as we are able.

Thank you.

During the closure of municipal buildingsRead More

City of Rockford Emergency Declaration Actions And Policies

Based upon the guidance of the CDC, Minnesota Department of Health and Federal and State authorities, Mayor Renee Hafften, with the support of the Rockford City Council, has declared a State of Emergency for the City of Rockford, Minnesota. The following actions and policies are herein enacted and shall continue until such time as this declaration is rescinded or otherwise terminated.

1. The City suspends all water shut-offs and penalties for late payment until termination of the Declaration of Emergency. Many people are without work, and enforcement of water shut offs would compound difficulties people in our community are currently facing. Additionally, water shut-offs place Public Works staff in direct contact with people in the community which is in opposition to the direction provided by the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health.
2. The City waives late fees for delinquent utility payments during the Declaration of Emergency. City late fees are minimal in amount (usually less than $1,300 per month) and serve as a more punitive tool to help insure timely payments. Given the financial challenges faced in our community, waiving late fees for delinquent utility payments will support the financial wellbeing of people struggling with job loss or limited incoming funds.
3. The City suspends all non-essential Boards and Commissions. All non-essential City Boards, Commissions, services of Liaisons to external groups and all other non-essential meetings are suspended until termination of the Declaration of Emergency. This will help protect members serving in these groups from any unnecessary contact with other people and reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.
4. City Hall closed to limit exposure to the public. City Hall will remain closed to the public until further notice or action by the City Council. City Hall is staffed, and members of the community can contact staff by calling (763) 477-6565 or by e-mail: info@cityofrockford.org.
5. Council Meetings. The City will not, at this time, conduct Council Meetings telephonically or remotely. This policy could change as this fluid situation develops. Council Meetings will be limited to 10 or fewer people in attendance in Council Chambers at any given time, and the social separation guidance of maintaining a distance of 6 feet between people will be followed.
6. City Hall Staffing. At this time, no changes are recommended for the scheduling of City Hall Staff.
7. Public Works Staffing. Public Works will remain staffed, but will rotate staff members to limit exposure to each other and to the community. This process allows the best opportunity to have a staff member healthy that can independently run core services and utilities for the benefit of our community.
8. Liquor License Proration. City Hall will calculate the duration in which bars and restaurants are prohibited from selling alcohol to the community. The prorated amount of their license for the days they are closed due to Governor Tim Walz’s Declaration shall be refunded back to them or applied to the following year’s application and permit fee.
9. Permitting. In an effort to limit the impact of this current emergency, Staff will continue to process permits for construction and new development. Any and all new permit applications shall be submitted via e-mail or placed in the drop box at City Hall. Alternate means of submitting permits and applications can be made by contacting City Hall. Permits and approvals shall be issued in the normal course of business.
10. Moratorium on other Permits. In an effort to support social distancing and unnecessary contact as directed by the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health, animal licenses and similar permits shall no longer be issued until termination of the Emergency Declaration. Additionally, no Peddlers Permits shall be issued until termination of the Declaration of Emergency to limit the contact of people with City Hall staff, and contact with permit holders with members of the community.

City of Rockford Emergency Declaration Actions and PoliciesRead More

Due to COVID-19 concerns, there has been a shortage of toilet paper on store shelves.  This may cause individuals to look to alternative products such as paper towels, facial tissues, baby wipes, flushable wipes and other similar items.  These products SHOULD NOT be flushed down the toilet.  These products do not break down like toilet paper and can lead to sanitary service line backups, main sewer lateral and trunk line blockages, and issues with sanitary sewer pumping stations.  The flushing of these products can lead to significant sewer backups that can cause additional public health hazards.  Please, DO NOT flush items other than toilet paper down your toilet.

Sanitary Sewer NoticeRead More

Seasonal Job Opening:

Seasonal Parks Maintenance Worker

The City of Rockford is recruiting for a Seasonal Parks Maintenance Worker from mid-May through August. Minimum requirements are 18 years of age and a valid driver’s license.  Previous experience in lawn care desired but not required.  Pay is $12 – $13 per hour depending on qualifications.

Application, Job Description and Veteran’s Preference are linked below or you may also be obtained paper copy’s at City Hall, 6031 Main Street, Rockford, MN  55373.

2020 Seasonal Parks Maintenance Worker

Seasonal Parks Maintenance Job Description

Employment Application and Veteran’s Preference Form

Application Instructions:  To apply, please submit a Completed City Employment Application and Veteran’s Preference Form to City Hall:  6031 Main Street, Rockford, MN  55373.  Applications accepted until the position is filled.

Job Opening- Seasonal Parks Maintenance WorkerRead More

SEASONAL LOAD LIMIT NOTIFICATION

https://www.co.wright.mn.us/904/Spring-Load-Restrictions

Spring Load Restrictions for Roads begins – Monday, March 9, 2020 at 12:01amRead More