Mesquite, TX – May 6, 2020 – At the May 4 City Council meeting City Manager Cliff Keheley shared plans for the City of Mesquite to make service and program adjustments due to the impacts of COVID-19. This will include keeping both libraries closed until June 1 and delaying decisions on summer camps and the City’s three pools until guidance is provided by the State. The City is also canceling the June 13 Summer Sizzle event and continuing the suspension of the residential curbside recycling program until July 1.

Keheley said, “We estimate the financial impact of the pandemic to be $5 million dollars for the current fiscal year. We have taken steps initially to freeze hiring on non-essential positions and identified cost savings in all departments. We will continue to evaluate projects and programs to find savings for the year. Our strong financial policies will help us make it through this crisis.”

Keheley plans to have discussions throughout the summer with Council to evaluate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for the upcoming budget year and anticipates reductions in services and delays in projects for the upcoming fiscal year.

While many facilities are still closed, the City is keeping programing going through virtual offerings and other services. The Mesquite Library will announce details on curb side services starting next week. Parks and Recreation and the Mesquite Arts Center continue to provide online options for residents.

“Our staff has done an outstanding job of responding to this crisis. They have continued to provide services and adjusted to changes in how we provide those services to maintain an exceptional level of customer service for our citizens,” stated Keheley.