As Nikola Patkovic/Novac writes on the 3rd of April, 2020, in order to counteract the negative economic consequences of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the City of Osijek has prepared a package of economic measures to assist Osijek's entrepreneurs who are facing business troubles because of this unprecedented and rapidly changing situation. The package is worth a massive HRK 18 million, and will be decided on by the Osijek City Council at a virtual session scheduled for Tuesday, April the 7th, 2020
''Over recent weeks, as the new situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to unfold, all of our efforts have been focused, first and foremost, on the protection of the health of our fellow citizens, and in these efforts, the City of Osijek has partnered with both the local and the national authorities. Aware of the consequences that the crisis will have on the economy, we're giving equally important attention to the protection and preservation of every job in the City of Osijek. We don't know how long this crisis will last, but it's clear that we all have to adapt to this new situation,'' said Žana Gamoš, Osijek's Deputy Mayor, announcing the economic measures they have prepared.
Thus, they have decided that through a public call, a massive HRK 5.5 million will be directed towards small and medium-sized enterprises, as their businesses are at risk in this crisis. An entrepreneur based in Osijek who has proven that the coronavirus crisis has adversely affected his business and signed a grant agreement with the CES (Croatian Employment Service) may participate in the City of Osijek's public invitation. The city will pay the entrepreneur a one-time and non-refundable payment of HRK 1,000 per employee. The state is helping employees directly, and this Eastern Croatian city has decided to disburse funds to help with the maintainance of liquidity.
''By supplementing the Decision on communal compensation and the proposal of a Decision on the exemption from communal fee payment during these extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 virus, the City of Osijek proposes to completely exempt OPGs, craftsmen, legal entities and persons engaged in an independent activity for premises and construction land used for business purposes from needing to pay communal fees for the months of April, May and June,'' Gamoš reported.
In addition, no compulsory collection of debts will be enforced during these exceptional circumstances. The tenants of the public areas and business premises belonging to the City of Osijek have been exempted from making those payments for the month of April with the possibility of an extension depending on the duration of the unfolding situation. In addition, parents in Osijek will not have to pay for the use of kindergartens and extended stays in schools.
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