Elyria shifts as COVID cases rise

Elyria has shifted its attention to changing operations and future plans as the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to race throughout the country.

Finance director Ted Pileski said the pandemic has had a great impact on the November income tax update he received.

Pileski said in the two distributions from the Regional Income Tax Agency, the city is down $407,303 as compared to last November, and $1,877,397 for the year as compared to this time last year, which is a drop of 5.8%.

“With the spiking, we could be looking at closures again and these numbers could go even further south,” he said. “Be prepared.”

Additionally, due to the spikes of COVID-19 cases, Elyria City Council has moved back to full time Zoom meetings until further notice.

“We’re going back to Zoom meetings streaming live based on the spike of the COVID-19 virus,” said Council President Victor Stewart. “We take the recommendations of the governor during this particular time.”

During the meeting, it was announced the city is having its annual festival of lights starting at 5 p.m., Dec. 5, in the City Hall parking lot.

Mayor Frank Whitfield briefly spoke about the celebration during a Council meeting Nov. 17.

In the past, the festival featured camel rides, book giveaways, holiday music and family friendly winter entertainment.

With the coronavirus seeing a surge in cases, Whitfield said the annual visits with Santa will be done through a drive-thru style.

“We’re working with Elyria Sunrise Rotary to wave to Santa, and get a goodie bag and try to make the most of the festivities that we can during this pandemic,” Whitfield said. “I just appreciate all the patience with myself and this learning year.”