FAQs • Fairview, OR • CivicEngage

Why are apartment complexes, national corporations, and food processors excluded?: Apartment complexes are excluded, as their tenants are already eligible for relief via the City of Fairview’s Residential Relief Program. The intent of the program is to assist those local businesses struggling the most during this pandemic. Because we anticipate national corporations and food processors have a higher likelihood of obtaining assistance elsewhere, they were excluded from Fairview’s program. Additionally, it is unlikely that even our largest available assistance of $1,000 would provide any significant relief to a business in this category.

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Commercial COVID-19 Relief Program

1. Is my business eligible for relief assistance even if I don’t have a City of Fairview utility account?: Yes, active businesses that have a business license in Fairview (or unincorporated Multnomah County served by Fairview utilities) are eligible (exclusions include apartment complexes, national corporations, and food processors).

2. My business is part of a complex and I do not pay the utility bill directly – is my business eligible for relief?: Yes. Even if you do not have a utility account, we encourage you to apply. Assistance will be prorated based on the eligible businesses on the account.

3. I have a home based business – am I eligible to receive relief under this program?: No, home occupation businesses are not eligible; however, we encourage you to visit our Residential Relief Program page. You may apply for residential relief on behalf of your home based business.

4. Why are apartment complexes, national corporations, and food processors excluded?: Apartment complexes are excluded, as their tenants are already eligible for relief via the City of Fairview’s Residential Relief Program. The intent of the program is to assist those local businesses struggling the most during this pandemic. Because we anticipate national corporations and food processors have a higher likelihood of obtaining assistance elsewhere, they were excluded from Fairview’s program. Additionally, it is unlikely that even our largest available assistance of $1,000 would provide any significant relief to a business in this category.

5. Is there a deadline for when I need to submit an application for this program?: Yes. This assistance programs ends December 18, 2020. The City Council may revisit and extend it. We encourage you to submit your application early as there are limited funds available and if the demand is high applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

6. Can I include purchases I made to provide for protection of both my customers and employees from COVID-19 exposure and to comply with the Governors executive orders to calculate my loss in income?: Yes. The standard is net income. If these additional expenses resulted in your total net income being less than anticipated, you qualify for the relief.

7. Does my net loss need to exceed $1000 for me to receive the maximum financial relief?: Your loss in income needs to equal the payment you receive up to the $1000 limit. The actual relief is determined by the value of four months of utility service. If four months of utility service is $750 you must have an income loss of $750 to receive the full eligible amount.

8. Does my loss in income have to happen in a four month period?: No. It can happen any time during the period from March 16 to October 31. The key is to not submit your application for relief until your loss will allow you to receive the maximum financial assistance you are eligible for. This means you may need to delay applying until sometime in October.