In a quick turnaround, Bayfield distributed $150,000 in federal coronavirus relief money to local businesses – a recovery effort that brought some business owners to tears.
Businesses have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Particularly in the spring and fall during closures, capacity limits and indoor service restrictions meant to limit spread of the virus.
But a new round of relief came in December, when La Plata County distributed $475,000 in CARES Act money to Durango, Ignacio and Bayfield.
“It couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Cheryl Marable, co-owner of Fur Trappers in Vallecito.
The restaurant was trying to offer takeout services in the small lake community, but $50 to $100 in orders a night wasn’t enough, she said.
“It was going to be rough,” she said, imagining slow service during the winter season. “We were going to have to dip into things that we didn’t want to dip into.”
Bayfield used the money to support 25 businesses, both in town and in unincorporated areas of La Plata County, such as Gem Village and Vallecito. Ignacio received an additional $25,000; Durango, $300,000.
About $101,000 went to restaurants, which had to close indoor dining in late November after La Plata County entered the state’s Level Red designation for severe risk.
“It’s important for economic recovery for our businesses to get them through this period,” said Katie Sickles, town manager. “They had the option for takeout or outside dining, but there were a lot of unmet needs for small businesses to make it through this period.”
Five restaurants received grants of $12,000 each, two restaurants received $10,000 each and three restaurants received $7,000 each.
Salons, gyms, vacation cabins, a chiropractor, a relocation service for seniors and an ATV rental business received grants of between $2,000 and $3,000.
“Several business owners were in tears,” said Beth Lamberson, Bayfield’s economic recovery coordinator. “We knew from all of the task force meetings that it was important to make a real impact.”
The grants will reimburse businesses for hard-dollar costs, such as rent, utilities and general liability insurance, that occurred during coronavirus-related shutdowns in the spring and fall.
“It was especially meaningful to assist Gem Village and Vallecito,” Lamberson said.
Businesses within municipalities could apply for town-provided grants, like Bayfield CARES and the Durango Business Relief Fund, she said. “But in unincorporated La Plata County, there were fewer options.”
Fur Trappers was one of the restaurants to receive $12,000, enough to cover about two months of expenses.
“That was a lot more than I expected,” Marable said. “To get that much was a blessing, a big blessing.”
smullane@durangoherald.com
