COVID-19 Resources and Information

Note: This page is updated often.

Small Business Relief Fund and Economic Stimulus Package

Small Business Relief Fund: The City is providing $150,000 for the first round of applicants for the Small Business Relief Fund Program. This is a partnership among the City of Paducah, West Kentucky Community & Technical College, and the Community Foundation of West Kentucky.

Small for-profit businesses, that are not a franchise or franchise-affiliated, with 25 or fewer employees and a brick-and-mortar presence within the Paducah city limits may be eligible to apply for the funds. During this first round of funding, the first 75 eligible businesses will receive grants of $2000 each. The funds must be used for expenses limited to rent, mortgage, payroll, and utilities. If you are a business and have questions about the application process, call the City of Paducah Planning Department at 270-444-8601. The application which includes additional guidelines will be available through April 10 at 4:30 p.m. Download the form, complete it, and then email it to Grant Submission Email (wk-reliefgrant@kctcs.edu). If you applied for the Paducah Small Business Relief Fund on April 1 between 8 a.m and 10:30 a.m., PLEASE RESUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. Due to some unexpected email issues, we were unable to receive your application. You will receive an auto-reply message if your application is successfully submitted.

Small Business Relief Fund Application (fillable form)
Small Business Relief Fund Application (non-fillable form)

A second round of funding will be opened at a later date with funding based upon the amount of donations to the Community Foundation which will be matched by the City of Paducah up to $100,000. To donate to the Small Business Relief Fund, vist the Community Foundation of West Kentucky website, call 270-442-8622, or mail your donation to Community Foundation of West KY, Attention: Small Business Relief Fund, P.O. Box 7, Paducah, KY 42001.

Deadline Changed for Business License Tax Filing: Postpones the filing of the annual Gross Receipts License Tax (Business License Tax) to July 15, 2020, for calendar year filers. July 15 is the same deadline that has been adopted recently by the State of Kentucky and the Internal Revenue Service as a replacement for the April 15 deadline.

Commercial Solid Waste Collection: Establishes a 50% price reduction for solid waste collection fees for commercial (non-residential) rollouts and commercial dumpsters. This fee reduction is in effect for commercial solid waste collection services during the months of April and May 2020.

Taxicab Driver’s License Renewal Waiver: Waives the renewal requirement for taxicab licenses until July 1, 2020.

stimulus overview small business relief graphic

Topics on this Page

Changes to City Services
Economic Impact Survey for Businesses
Event Changes
Kentucky Governor Beshear Actions, Orders and Guidance
Prevention
Resources and Quick LInks

Prevention - Social Distancing is the Best Tool

The City of Paducah is closely monitoring the developments concerning the 2019 Coronavirus (also known at COVID-19). The City of Paducah along with other organizations is participating in meetings organized by the McCracken County Emergency Management Department so that the most up-to-date information can be shared. On March 16, 2020, the City of Paducah in addition to McCracken County issued a Local State of Emergency.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The vaccine is under development but not expected to be available for 12 to 18 months. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus and practice social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases which includes COVID-19.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects such as cell phone and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Resources and Quick Links

Local Resources

To get contact information for local resources, call 270-444-8800 during City Hall's normal business hours (8 until 4:30). Leave a message after hours.
Paducah-McCracken County Quick Reference Guide for Resources (PDF)
United Way of Paducah-McCracken County
A Facebook account is not needed to view the City of Paducah Kentucky Government Facebook page. Mayor Brandi Harless is posting video updates at 6 p.m. which are being shared to the City’s page.
For business resources, visit the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce - COVID-19 Resources website.

COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey for Businesses

Note: The survey deadline was noon on March 26. Thank you to everyone who submitted responses.

The City of Paducah Planning Department developed an online economic impact survey for businesses. The 11-question survey takes two to three minutes to take. Businesses inside and outside the Paducah city limits are welcome to participate. The aggregated information will be used to influence and guide state and federal resources and guide any other local relief opportunities.

A Few of the Event Changes

AQS QuiltWeek postponed until September 2 through 5.
Spring Clean Up Day which was scheduled for April 18 is postponed until further notice. A new date has not been set.
All city-issued special event permits through the end of April have been revoked. This may be extended.
Paducah Citizens' Academy suspended until further notice.
Paducah Iron Mom and LowerTown Arts & Music Festival have cancelled their May event dates.

Changes to City Services Based on COVID-19

All City Offices: All City offices will be closed to the public through May 3 until further notice. This includes City Hall, the front desk at the Paducah Police Department, access to the Fire Stations, the Parks & Recreation Department office, and the Compost Facility. City services are continuing; however, those needing to contact the City should use other means including phone, email, or online.

City Hall:

Paducah’s City Hall located at 300 South 5th Street is closed to public walk-in foot traffic to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). City services are continuing; however, those needing to contact the City should use other means including phone, email, or online.
For citizens who have general questions about City government and local resources, the Customer Experience Department is providing guidance on local organizations and contact numbers. To reach the Customer Experience Department, call 270-444-8800 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 until 4:30. After hours, please leave a message.
Citizens who would like to drop off a payment to the Finance Department are encouraged to use the drop-box on the 5th Street side of City Hall. Payments are processed the same day.
All meetings of city-appointed boards and commissions are cancelled for March and April limited to Board of Adjustment, Paducah Civic Beautification Board, HARC, Human Rights Commission, Historic Property Redevelopment Board, Main Street Board, Planning Commission & URCDA, Nuisance Board, Tree Advisory Board, and the Building, Electrical, and Code Appeals Board.

Parks & Recreation Department:

The Parks & Recreation building located at 1400 H.C. Mathis Drive and the Recreation Center located at 1527 Martin Luther King Jr. Dirve are closed to the public. Registration for spring and summer programs is available online at www.paducahky.gov or by calling 270-444-8508.
The following classes, leagues, and operations are postponed until further notice: Classes and operations at the Paducah Recreation Center; Martial Arts and dance classes held at the Parks Office Building; Youth and adult leagues practices and game schedules; and Farmers’ Market vendor meetings.
All facility reservations of parks picnic shelters, the Anna Baumer Building, Arts and Crafts Building, and Robert Cherry Civic Center are cancelled through May 1.
All public assembly permit application requests for events between March 13 and April 30 will not be permitted.
Access is restricted to specific features located at the City’s parks. Plus, the parks are closing daily at sunset. Amenities that have gate enclosures including the Paducah Dog Park, Skatepark, and the Noble Park tennis and basketball courts are closed to the public. Parks features that do not have fencing including playgrounds have caution tape and signage to inform the public that access is restricted. Due to the small size of Independence Park (located at the corner of Lone Oak Road and Alben Barkley Drive), it is closed to the public. Note: The parks are open for walking, jogging, etc. Enjoy the green space while using social distancing.

Permits: If you need a permit through the Fire Prevention Division, call Fire Prevention at 270-444-8527. Information will be taken over the phone with payments through the drop-box outside the building. Permits then will be emailed to the permit holder. Regarding plans that need to be reviewed, please send them digitally if possible. Otherwise, contact the receiving department to make arrangements: Engineering at 270-444-8511; Planning at 270-8690; and Fire Prevention at 270-444-8527.

Police Department:

The Department has ceased lobby service at 1400 Broadway. Citizens who come to the department with an emergency or who need to make a report should use the red telephone in the foyer area inside the front doors of the police department. The red telephone connects directly with the E911 Communications Center.
The Records and Evidence units still will accept telephone inquiries; the number is 270-444-8554. Citizens who need to acquire copies of collision reports should purchase them from www.buycrash.com. To purchase copies of crime reports, visit www.buycrimes.com. Open Records requests can be submitted via email to atravis@paducahky.gov or by mail using the information contained at http://paducahky.gov/records-and-evidence.
Fingerprinting, taxi licensing, and prescription drug drop-off services are suspended until further notice.
The lobby of the Criminal Investigations Division, located at 1410 Broadway, is closed until further notice. Citizens who wish to speak with a detective may call 270-444-8553.

Public Works Department:

Effective Monday, March 23, all garbage needs to be contained in the rollout. The employees will not be touching trash bags or items left beside the rollout. Brush and bulk items such as couches and chairs still will be collected. For commercial customers, all garbage needs to be contained in the dumpster.
Compost Facility is closed until further notice.

Orders, Guidance, and Announcements from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

To read the full list of actions taken by Kentucky and Governor Andy Beshear since the March 6 State Declaration of Emergency, visit Governor Beshear Actions.

A few of the orders, memos, and guidance are listed below.

3/7/2020: Issued an Executive Order to Prohibit Price Gouging. If anyone has information regarding possible price gouging, they should contact the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection hotline at 888-432-9257.

3/9/2020: Issued an Executive Order to waive copays, deductibles, cost-sharing and diagnostic testing fees for private insurance and state employees.

3/10/2020: Limited visits to long-term care facilities and nursing homes, except in an end-of-life situation.

3/10/2020: Signed an Executive Order that allows pharmacists to refill prescriptions for up to 30 days.

3/10/2020: Closed all state prisons to visitors.

3/13/2020: Recommended the temporary closure of senior centers to help halt the spread of the virus for those most vulnerable. Meals will still be available at many senior centers via drive through pick-up or delivery.

3/13/2020: Announced Boards and Commissions will cancel any scheduled in-person meetings, and instead use video teleconference technology.

3/14/2020: Issued guidance to state agencies to decrease on-site staffing by at least 50 percent to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

3/16/2020: Signed an executive order to close all restaurants and bars to in-person traffic. Exceptions for drive-through, delivery, and in some instances, take out.

3/16/2020: Waived the waiting period for unemployment for people that are losing their jobs due to coronavirus, and will waive any work search requirements while the state of emergency is in effect.

3/16/2020: With the recommendation from our Secretary of State, postponed the primary elections by the 35 days allowed under state law. That means they will be moved to June 23, 2020.

3/17/2020: Signed an executive order that by 5 p.m. Wednesday March 18, all public-facing businesses that encourage public congregation or that by the nature of their service to the public cannot comply with the CDC guidelines concerning social distancing are going to have to cease their operations. These businesses must include: entertainment and recreational facilities, community and recreation centers, gyms and exercise facilities, hair salons, nail salons, spas, concert venues, theaters, and sporting event facilities.
There are some businesses that are exempt: food providers, food processors, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, feed mills, construction, trash collection, retail, groceries, consumer goods, home repair, hardware, auto repair, pharmacies, other medical facilities, biomedical, health care, post offices, insurance, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics and pet stores, warehousing, storage, distribution, public transportation, and hotel and commercial lodging can all remain open at this point, but must follow the CDC guidelines for social distancing. Malls are considered retail, so they are not a part of the executive order at the moment.

3/19/2020: Announced that restaurants that have an active liquor license, that are also doing food delivery or carry out, may also deliver sealed alcoholic beverages, in their original containers to customers.

3/19/2020: Issued a formal letter banning all mass gatherings. Mass gatherings include any event or convening that brings together groups of individuals, including, but not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers; and similar activities.

3/22/2020: Issued Executive Order that all in-person retail businesses that are not life sustaining will close effective Monday, March 23, 2020, at 8 p.m. Life-sustaining retail businesses that will stay open include grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, hardware stores, gas stations and other businesses that provide staple goods. A full list of categories of life-sustaining, in-person retail businesses is listed in the order.

3/23/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order to cease all elective medical procedures. He previously recommended ceasing them, but additional action was necessary since some groups did not follow the original guidance.

3/25/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order closing all non-life-sustaining businesses to in-person traffic by Thursday at 8 p.m. Businesses that can stay open still need to practice safe social distancing. The businesses that can stay open include: grocery stores, drug stores and pharmacies, banks, hardware stores, agricultural operations, gas stations, media, businesses needed for transportation, logistics, shipping, delivery and pick-up, housing, building and construction, laundry, financial services, home-based care and services, professional services, manufacturing and other businesses key to national interests or life-sustaining goods or services, and those covered under the federal critical infrastructure sector.

3/30/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order to limit Kentuckians’ out-of-state travel and offered a 10-step plan to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

3/31/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order allowing critical workforce sectors to rehire previously retired workers to fill key roles. The order, which last the duration of the state of emergency, applies to law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, park rangers and corrections officers. The Governor also issued an Executive Order easing restrictions on nurses who live out of state and making it quicker to obtain a license.

4/2/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order that expands travel restrictions where out-of-staters coming into Kentucky must quarantine for 14 days and allows governments to hire back any retiree if needed without any pension penalty. Signed an Executive Order to address the commutations of inmate population at state institutions.

4/5/2020: Kentucky Department of Public Health issued Cloth Face Mask Guidance.

4/8/2020: Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order limiting visits to essential businesses to one adult per household in the store at a time at those businesses still open. Also signed was an Executive Order allowing pharmacits to dispense emergency refills.