Our goal at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is that every business in the area stays open or re-opens after the Covid crisis is over.  To do that, we are working with employers on providing as many resources as possible to get them through the next several months.  That includes federal, state and local resources. 
 
Small businesses across Steele County are feeling the direct impacts of the closures and stay at home orders that have been put in place to slow the spread of Covid 19.  These businesses are the backbone of our community and in many ways the identities of our towns and cities.  The business owners we’ve been talking with (the Owatonna Chamber is calling each of our 530 members directly) are hardworking, nose to the grindstone people.  They want to work and conduct business.  It’s frustrating for them to be in this situation as it is for everyone. 
 
To get businesses through this period of time, we also feel that an option on delaying property tax payments without penalty would be a huge help in preserving cash flow for businesses that may be struggling right now.  Ideally this delay would extend 60 days and correlate with the income tax extensions provided by Federal and State governments (July 15).
 
On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors and our members, I appreciate your consideration of this request.