This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, May 29th, 2020.

Later in the program, WFHB News Director Kade Young talks to activist group Hoosier Action on their efforts to extend the moratorium on evictions in the state. Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Alex Dederer talks about the reopening of parks in Monroe County.

But first, your local headlines.

Monroe County Council member Geoff McKim presented cash flow projections for 2020. He spoke about the general fund during their May 26th County Council meeting. He said all miscellaneous collections must be recorded, but some revenue comes irregularly.

McKim said some revenue areas are low, such as rental property and sheriff services, but could be expected. He said some categories are more concerning.

McKim said the cash flow is a model of projected monetary amounts, not guarantees. He spoke about differences between the projected 2020 budget and what is happening.

McKim said the 2020 – 2021 projection includes a 2 percent increase in the general fund budget. He said property tax and LIT funds would see small reductions. County Auditory Cathy Smith said those on unemployment could help make up shortfalls.

Smith said more funds are in the rainy-day fund than the past 3 years. She said the county would not see that income tax until January.

Also during the meeting, Councilors approved improvements to the courthouse Alexander Memorial. County Commissioner Julie Thomas said a grant would reimburse the county for about 50 thousand dollars.

During the meeting County Commissioners were requested 1 thousand dollars from the Food and Beverage Tax fund to support local tourism related businesses with grants. Councilors unanimously approved the additional appropriation.

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Monroe County will deviate from Governor Holcomb’s Stage Three plan, as outlined in a county public health order. The only deviation from the state order is to limit the size of mass gatherings to no more than 50 people.

According to the health order, face coverings are still strongly recommended when in public.

General recommendations were also made in the county health order. This includes maintaining 6 feet social-distance, increasing ventilation of indoor spaces, holding all necessary meetings via telephone or video conference and several other recommendations to ensure public safety.

The order to limit the size of mass gatherings to no more than 50 people goes into effect on June 30th.

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WFHB News Correspondent Alex Dederer talks with Monroe County Parks and Recreation Assistant Director about parks reopening to the public.

Monroe County parks will reopen to the public on Monday.

Parks were closed to the public in March when concern about the COVID-19 pandemic began in Indiana, while trails remained open.

Assistant Director of Monroe County Parks and Recreation John Robertson said Monroe County Parks and Recreation has been working closely with the Monroe County Health Department and the Monroe County commissioners to begin the reopening of some of the park facilities this Monday.

Robertson shares more on Monroe County Parks reopening while some facilities remain closed to the public for health and safety reasons.

In addition to keeping some facilities closed to the public, Monroe County Parks and Recreation will also be implementing signage around the parks to ensure the safety of the public.

As well as staff taking extra measures to keep community members safe and healthy.

According to the news release, athletics leagues and tournaments and special events have been cancelled through June. The following parks and community gardens will reopen Monday: Karst Farm Park, Will Detmer Park, Flatwoods Park, Jackson Creek Park, Karst Dog Park and Will Detmer Gardens.

When looking ahead into the future, there are still many unknowns of when all park facilitie...