Stonington to spend CARES funds on outreach as town adjusts services during pandemic

Town Manager Billings and selectmen discussed and authorized pandemic-response expenditures covered by CARES Act funding and adjusted town operations to reduce in-person contact.

Billings described grants and outreach purchases — signs, PPE and administrative support — to help residents follow public health guidance. The board approved a proposed $8,500 CARES outreach budget to cover signage, sanitizing supplies and related costs.

Selectmen also reviewed operational changes: public-facing services were being shifted online where possible, a drop box would be used for some transactions, and the town considered changes to transfer-station recycling to reduce staff exposure. TM Billings also reported that the airport received a small CARES allocation to support its operations.

The board discussed logistics for remote committee meetings and temporary changes to building use (e.g., limiting rental of upstairs space at the school building). The selectmen asked staff to compile a local resource page on the town website to centralize COVID-19 services and contact information.