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1. What is an "Essential Business?"

On March 23, 2020, Governor Inslee issued a Proclamation directing all residents immediately to heed current State public health directives to stay home, except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure sectors and additional sectors as the State Public Health Officer may designate as critical to protect health and well-being of all Washingtonians. This order goes into effect Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at midnight (2400 hrs).

• Are you an Essential Business? (PDF) (City of Monroe letter to businesses) 
• Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers (Governor’s office)
• Business Re-Entry Registration (Washington Military Department)

Questions? Please contact James Palmer, Economic Development Specialist at 360-631-0050, or by email at jpalmer@monroewa.gov 

2. Does the moratorium on evictions apply to businesses?

Yes. We encourage you to contact your landlord to speak directly about your current situation.

On March 18, 2020, using his Declared State of Emergency, Governor Inslee issued a 30-Day Moratorium on evictions.  For property owners, the Federal Housing Finance Agency directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

3. What if I am unable to pay my monthly, quarterly or annual return?

The Department of Revenue is asking all businesses to still file their returns if they are able to do so. Upon request, the Department will provide extensions for paying tax returns (even if the request is after the due date). 

This only applies to returns that are due and not already paid during the state of emergency (Feb. 29, 2020, through the end of the state of emergency, yet to be determined).

• 60 days for monthly returns (this applies to the February 2020 and March 2020 returns at this time)
• 30 days for the Q1/2020 return
• 30 days for the Annual 2019 return

For more information: https://dor.wa.gov/about/business-relief-during-covid-19-pandemic 

4. Will my water be shut off?

The City’s NO water shut-off policy applies to businesses.   The City of Monroe is taking the following steps to help our residential and business customers who might be worried about paying their bills:

• The City will not shut off water services for the month of March.
• The City is encouraging everyone to either pay their bills on-line or use the drop box located just outside the City Hall’s front door.  Over the phone credit card fees are currently being waived for utility payments.
• The City will work with customers who may fall behind on their utility bills to set up a payment plan.  (Payment plans during March will not count toward the aggregate allowed per account).  For further information, please call 360-794-7400.  Please leave a message with your name, contact information, and account number if available.

5. What about utilities?

Puget Sound Energy & Snohomish Public Utility District

•    No disconnection tariffs for nonpayment during this emergency

•    Waiving late fees for customers who are out of work

•    Offering customers payment plans

•    Expanded bill assistance programs for customers who are economically impacted by this emergency.

The governor is also suspending some restrictions on the rate-making authority of the state’s Utilities and Transportation Commission, to enable the use of ratepayer dollars to provide economic assistance to customers who are affected by COVID-19. This provides UTC authority to approve the expanded use of energy bill assistance funds to customers who are out of work, or working significantly reduced hours, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state is working to compile a larger list of local bankers, financial associations, telecoms, utilities and major employers that may be able to provide relief, such as:

•    Deferred bills, waived fees, discounts, no-interest loans and other support. 

•    Debt and late-penalty forgiveness for companies and workers in order to help keep people employed.

•    Favorable credit terms for firms that encounter cash flow problems.

6. Is there someone I can talk to at the City?

Yes! Please contact James Palmer, Economic Development Specialist at 360-631-0050 or by email at jpalmer@monroewa.gov 

7. Is the City still issuing permits?

Based on current State and Federal guidance, and the City’s response to COVID-19, portions of our operations have been modified to accommodate our staff and the community. We will reassess the situation after April 1, 2020.

Permit Processing and Review:

Staff is working both remotely and in the office to review and intake permit applications, and process permits electronically. Our Planners and Plans Examiners are also working both remotely and in the office to provide normal levels of service to the public. If you have a permit currently in the review process, you should be hearing from our staff just like before. Staff will be available by phone and email during normal business hours of 8am to 5pm Monday - Friday. If you have questions or would like to speak with a staff member, please call our Permit Center line at 360-863-4501 or email building@monroewa.gov / landuse@monroewa.gov. 

8. What if I need to, or have been, working with the Department on a collection related issue?

Revenue will delay issuing new compliance assessments until mid-April and reassess then. This delay includes tax warrants, notices of withhold and deliver, and revocations.

For more information: https://dor.wa.gov/about/business-relief-during-covid-19-pandemic 

9. What if I have a payment plan with the DOR?

Upon request, Revenue will work with taxpayers that are impacted by COVID-19 to adjust payment plan amounts or extend payment dates 30 to 60 days. If payment is extended, additional penalties that would have normally accrued during the extension period will be waived.

For more information: https://dor.wa.gov/about/business-relief-during-covid-19-pandemic 

10. What should I do if I have a temporary business registration?

Businesses with a temporary registration that have had their event cancelled should notify the Department by replying to the original email they received when obtaining their temporary certificate.  If you no longer have the original email, you may send a message to communications@dor.wa.gov to cancel your temporary registration.  

For more information: https://dor.wa.gov/about/business-relief-during-covid-19-pandemic 

11. What happens if I am late renewing my business license during this time period?

The Department of Revenue will waive the BLS delinquency fee for late renewals through April 17, 2020. Please check back to see if this date gets extended.

Please note that penalties and interest accrued prior to February 29, 2020, will not be waived. There will be no refunds for penalties and interest paid during the state of emergency.

For more information: https://dor.wa.gov/about/business-relief-during-covid-19-pandemic 

12. What if I have questions about paying my property taxes?

What if I have questions about paying my property taxes?

Please contact your local county treasurer: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/property-tax/county-assessor-and-treasurer-websites 

13. How do I request relief?

Businesses can request the relief above by sending a secure email in their My DOR (link below) account or by calling Revenue’s customer service staff at 360-705-6705, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

https://secure.dor.wa.gov/home/Login 

14. What can I do to prevent COVID-19 in my workplace for those who can’t telework?

Create social distancing in the workplace:

• Place staff members at least 6 feet away from each other.
• Do not have in-person meetings.
• If you must have an in-person meeting, meet in a large room and be at least 6 feet from one another. Meet for as short as you can.
• Close lunch rooms and limit access to areas where people gather.
• Limit visitors.

More information here. 

15. Is garbage service mandatory while my business is closed?

Republic Services has temporarily suspended mandatory garbage service for non-essential businesses that have closed during this pandemic. Please contact Republic Services for additional information.