Kim Branch is the Position 3 Alderwoman for the city of Brookshire and wife of Mayor Darell Branch. Katy Times checked in with the alderwoman for an update on city activities and the impact of COVID-19 on the Brookshire community.

Note: Branch’s responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the city of Brookshire so far?

A: It has taken a toll on our economy just like everyone else. We depend on sales taxes for our budget and with all business closed or offering limited access this will take a toll on the city as well as our EDC.  We are a strong community and with everyone working together we will come back stronger.

Q: What is the city doing to help businesses impacted by the shutdown orders at the county and state level?

A: All we can do is keep them up to date to comply to the governor’s executive order and pray for them to be able to make it through these trying times.

Q: How is the Brookshire City Council functioning during the governor’s executive orders?

A: Right now, we are all focused on the COVID-19 Virus keeping our citizen’s safe and following state mandated guidelines. We continue to have city council meeting via tele-conference so our city can continue to function and grow with new companies coming to our community.

Q: Has the city council cancelled its May elections in compliance with recommendations from state authorities and when can residents expect to see campaigns get rolling again?

A: Yes, we will have the elections in November.  City Council is working on The City Charter to be approved and mailed out to citizens along with all other guidelines to also have it on the ballot in November.

Q: How have city staff responded to the COVID-19 crisis and what can residents do to support city staff?

A: This has been a very trying time and a difficult learning curve. We have had to cut hours of operations to keep our staff safe as well as citizens. We have sanitized City Hall offices to ensure the safety of our staff as well as our clients.  We are working on repairing the drive-thru window as well as the drop box so clients and staff can have as little contact as possible. We are also working on online payment options.

Q: How well have Brookshire residents responded to the coronavirus issue and what advice do you have for them to help them get through the next few weeks or months as this crisis is expected to take some time to settle out completely?

A: I think the citizens are doing a great job with the stay home order.  We have not seen any problems with large groups gatherings. There are drive-by food pantries that we thank for helping our citizens. We are all going to have to work together and play this by ear one day at a time. Our County Judge, Trey Duhon has been doing a great job keeping everyone informed. If citizens continue to follow the guidelines, we will continue to see the numbers of cases be low. I am in hopes that we continue to pray for each other as well as our nation. I ask residents to help others with sharing information on guidelines as well as resources available to our community.