PUBLIC NOTICE
Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation on 3/19/2020, that waives late penalty on PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS through April 16, 2020, to help give some assistance to Iowans dealing with the impact of COVID-19’s arrival in our state. Payments must be postmarked by April 16, 2020, paid online at
www.iowa treasurers.org by April 16, 2020, or dropped off in the drop box on West side of Courthouse by April 16^th to avoid a late penalty.  The Emmet County Treasurer’s staff are still in the office handling workflow and answering questions by phone and email. 
 
If your DRIVER’S LICENSE has an expiration date of January 16, 2020 or later, you do not have to renew your license at this time.  It will remain valid until the declared disaster is lifted.  It is also considered valid to fly with an expiration date during this time period.
 
If your VEHICLE REGISTRATION expired January 2020, or later, it will be considered valid until the declared disaster has ended. 
 
If you purchase or transfer a vehicle, you will not be required to obtain a title and registration within 30 days.  This will remain in effect until the declared disaster is over.  Carry your purchase documents/bill of sale in your car when driving until it is transferred into your name and plated. The bill of sale is also needed at the treasurer’s office to complete the transfer.
 
All of this could change if there is an extension to the proclamation. If you have questions, call the Emmet County Treasurer’s office at 712-362-5679. 

Please follow and use the "Estherville Information - Covid 19 Business Changes" Facebook Group to announce any business changes during the pandemic. Please use this group to notify the public of any information you think is pertinent about your business. Also restaurants and retail establishments are encouraged to post how customers can still shop with them! Together we will get through this!! Stay strong and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you!

The American Legion Post 91 and the VFW Post 3388 are asking for assistance fro Estherville. The Iowa Army National Guard Unit based out of Estherville will be deploying to Afghanistan this upcoming July. They are planning a private event for the unit and their families early this summer. They are seeking prizes and monetary donations to make this event happen. Any contribution you can make will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Dana or Perry Russell at 712-209-2788 for more information. 

Change can be difficult at best, it does not matter whether that change is temporary or permanent; it is hard nonetheless.  I know right now COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind, and I know right now the safety of our community is your top concern.  I just want to reassure you that as a City we are taking all the necessary measures to ensure your safety and health. Though it may inconvenience you at the moment please be patient with the process as we all work through this temporary change. 
What I would encourage you to do is spend time with your family reconnecting, resting, and recharging.  Call and check on family and friends that you may have not spoken to in a while, let them know how much you care for them.  Practice good hand hygiene and use wisdom if and when you have to interact with others.  Spare what you can with those in need and refrain from hoarding. Order a meal for carry out or delivery to help support our local restaurants who are feeling the strain of the social distancing.  Stay calm, be prayerful, and never give up hope. 
Estherville let us show the world what unity looks like! Stay encouraged Estherville, we can do this!
 
 Joseph M. May, MA |  Mayor, City of Estherville
 
 

Iowa Small Businesses Affected by Coronovirus (COVID 19) Can Apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan What are SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans? SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. Details on SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and information on how to apply for it are included below.   How to Apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan: Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. For those wishing to make "paper" submissions, completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.   FACT SHEET – ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS IOWA Declaration (Disaster IA-00091) Incident: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Occurring: January 31, 2020 & continuing ALL COUNTIES IN THE STATE OF IOWA   Application Filing Deadline: December 17, 2020 Disaster Loan Assistance Available: Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.   Credit Requirements: • Credit History – Applicants must have a credit history acceptable to SBA. • Repayment – Applicants must show the ability to repay the loan. • Collateral – Collateral is required for all EIDL loans over $25,000. SBA takes real estate as collateral when it is available. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but SBA will require the borrower to pledge collateral that is available.   Interest Rates: The interest rate is determined by formulas set by law and is fixed for the life of the loan. The maximum interest rate for this program is 3.750 percent for small businesses and 2.750 percent for eligible private non-profits. Loan Terms: The law authorizes loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years. SBA will determine an appropriate installment payment based on the financial condition of each borrower, which in turn will determine the loan term. Loan Amount Limit: The law limits EIDLs to $2,000,000 for alleviating economic injury caused by the disaster. The actual amount of each loan is limited to the economic injury determined by SBA, less business interruption insurance and other recoveries up to the administrative lending limit. SBA also considers potential contributions that are available from the business and/or its owner(s) or affiliates. If a business is a major source of employment, SBA has the authority to waive the $2,000,000 statutory limit. Loan Eligibility Restrictions: Noncompliance – Applicants who have not complied with the terms of previous SBA loans may not be eligible. This includes borrowers who did not maintain required flood insurance and/or hazard insurance on previous SBA loans. Note: Loan applicants should check with agencies / organizations administering any grant or other assistance program under this declaration to determine how an approval of SBA disaster loan might affect their eligibility. Refinancing: Economic injury disaster loans cannot be used to refinance long term debts. Insurance Requirements: To protect each borrower and the Agency, SBA may require you to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance. By law, borrowers whose damaged or collateral property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain flood insurance. SBA requires that flood insurance coverage be the lesser of 1) the total of the disaster loan, 2) the insurable value of the property, or 3) the maximum insurance available.   For Questions: Applicants can call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339.   Iowa Small Businesses- Click here to Apply On Line

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) needs to assess the impact of the pandemic in Iowa.   To assist in these efforts, please complete this survey, developed by University of Northern Iowa – Institute for Decision Making, to tell us what your business is experiencing and how your business is handling the current crisis.    IEDA will use the information collected in this survey to inform its public policy in response to the crisis, as well as potential assistance to businesses. The deadline to complete this survey is Monday, March 23 at 5 p.m.    Link to IEDA Impact Survey