During a video speech to residents, Martin said even before COVID-19 hit earlier this year, the county was investing in technology to make government offices more efficient and effective to serve citizens.
The IT staff, he said, rolled out a number of “state of the art” solutions ensuring county employees were
better connected to each other to serve taxpayers. “This meant we were more ready to hit the ground running during the lock downs and quarantine than many other” counties, he said,
Additionally, funding from the federal CARES Act, the county has invested more than $100,000 in technology infrastructure and software to improve the way we do business and communicate with each other in the community,” Martin said.
Those projects are in addition to the $4 million in CARES Act funding allocated for broadband deployment, he said. The aim of spending that much on broadband is to help business, students and residents to “connect with the word,” he said
“All of this has helped your local government to continue to provide high levels of service to you in the midst of the pandemic and after,” he explained.
The technology investments, he said, is in addition to infrastructure improvements, including the new Colonial Elementary School. The school is slated to open its doors in 2021 to serve its community of Blue Ridge for many years to come. He also pointed to the adaptation of the former Greenfield Education and Training Center converted to government offices.
Martin also encouraged residents to be vigilante of COVID-19. Recently, a doctor, he said, recommended practicing the three Ws – wash hands, wear mask and watch distance, at least six feet.
Citing some of the worst daily infection numbers since the COVID-19 struck – nationally, state and regionally – is a reason to listen to health care providers, he said.
Relating a personal text from a resident who took issue with Martin encouraging face mask and social distancing, Martin replied: “Well, I told him we get our information from the federal level at the CDC and the Health Department at the state level and until I get something else that contrary to what they are putting out I’m going to continue to recommend that you wear your mask, that you wash your hands and that you keep your distance between each other.”
Martin did recommend practicing those guidelines while visiting two local holiday attractions: The Tinsel Tour in Fincastle and the Festival of Lights in Buchanan.
