BARBERTON, Ohio — Editor's note: Video at the top of this story was originally published in an unrelated article on Aug. 27, 2021.
Barberton Mayor William B. Judge announced Monday morning that CARES Act funding for sanitation would be available to restaurants, bars and coffee shops in the city.
The funding comes as a part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Cares Act. The program will provide dine-in restaurants, bars and coffee shops within the City of Barberton up to $750 for cleaning, sterilization and disinfection efforts completed by a professional company.
The money will be awarded to businesses that need COVID-19 cleaning, sterilization, or disinfection because of a documented COVID-19 case or exposure to the virus.
“This program will help keep staff and customers of Barberton restaurants and bars safe and alleviate some of the financial burdens businesses faced to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Judge said in a press release.
To be eligible, a business must have had to close between June 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2021.
The goal of the funding is to prevent the businesses from having to close during their regularly scheduled business hours.
The number of grants given out will be limited and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each business will only be able to receive assistance once per six-month period.
To obtain an application and questions regarding the grant program, please contact Justin Halter at jhalter@cityofbarberton.com or 330-848-6729.