The newly formed Churchill County Business Owners Alliance (CCBOA) met last week to discuss the increasingly restrictive mandates on businesses coming out of Governor Sisolak’s office. Everyone is wondering how – and if, they will endure this latest blow. Millions of small American businesses did not survive the early months of the COVID-19 shutdown and millions more are on the verge of insolvency.
Jesse Segura, owner of 3-Dimension shipping and Fallon Glass & Sign, along with Paul Picotte and his wife Tiffany, owners of The Grid, discussed how the new restrictions have a chokehold on the livelihood of nearly every restaurant and retail shop in town. Shelly Gallagher, owner of the Running Iron Cafe, addressed the impact on restaurants stating, “Operating at 25% capacity means operating at 75% loss.” Both Gallagher and Picotte have had to send employees home on alternate days to prevent implementing layoffs. “The restrictions are crushing businesses and crushing employees,” said Picotte.
Reaching out to state representatives like Robin Titus for help, the Picotte’s reported that according to Titus, the mask, social distancing, and capacity mandates tied to Sisolak’s emergency declaration are legal. This has many Silver State business owners nervous as there is no specified date for the order to be lifted. “He can legally do this indefinitely,” stated Picotte.
Small business owners no longer see Nevada's Occupational Safety Health Administration as the regulatory entity keeping employees safe at work, but a weaponized agency also regulating the behavior of their patrons. Further, business owners fear exorbitant fines and forced closures. Several businesses in Fallon have reported having multiple visits from OSHA and are now feeling that OSHA is using intimidation tactics to enforce Sisolak’s mandates.
Kathy Fouss of Memorie Boutique on Maine Street reported that she had a compliance officer from OSHA in her boutique who threatened to fine her for not having posted a mask requirement on her door. The officer could not show Fouss where it was mandated that she post such a notice when she inquired, however, he remained in the store observing her and her customers for a prolonged period.
“W are afraid of OSHA shutting down our businesses,” stated Segura, “But we shouldn’t have to be.”
Many bars, restaurants, hotels, and retailers around the state have taken a stance against the broad scope of restrictions and have begun to file lawsuits against the State. It has become untenable for small business to continue to be financially exsanguinated and remain open. The Picotte’s reported that they have been in contact with Joey Gilbert, Esq., in Reno to discuss a lawsuit of their own and proceed even if they must do it on their own. The hope, however, is to rally local businesses to the cause and create power in numbers. The more members, the more influence will be at the ready when the Alliance meets with local and city government, as well as behind any potential legal action. With everyone at the meeting reporting substantially decreased revenue across the board, members agreed that something has to be done before Fallon suffers any more layoffs and permanently closed doors.
Another topic broached by the group was the $300,000 small business COVID support grant distributed to local businesses this Fall. As part of a CARES-Act relief package, the City of Fallon and Churchill County dispersed $131,000 in funds to 28 area businesses. The grant funds were capped at $10,000 per applicant, however, no one at the meeting reported receiving the whole amount. Some business owners said that they inquired about applying for more funding through the Churchill Economic Development Authority (CEDA), who administered the grant, but were told that the period for applying had closed.
The City of Reno, also received CARE-Act funds, awarded $1.4 million in grants up to $20,000 during their first-round and is set to disperse an additional $2.55 million. Members of the CCSBA are concerned that if the balance of the grant money is not distributed by the end of the year, the desperately needed funds will be returned to the state.
Sheriff Richard Hickox stated that the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office would not be enforcing the mandates on local businesses, offices, or family gatherings. “We are not enforcing the restrictions nor are we enforcing the restrictions on how many people can be in a home or from how many households,” he said. “We ask that people be responsible and if you are sick stay home.”
The CCSBA is urging local small business owners to join the organization. Annual member dues are $100, but Segura encourages businesses to join even if the fee is not possible right now. "Any contributions are welcome," stated Segura, "but the priority right now is members."
For more information or to join the Churchill County Business Owners Alliance (CCBOA), email [email protected]
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