Vermont Governor Phil Scott issued a Stay Home order in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Though we expected this measure to come forth, it’s still a sobering reality to deal with. Fortunately, our business will not have to shut down entirely. As part of the Executive Oder (you can find it on governor.vermont.gov is you want some light reading), the Governor issued an Addendum which listed businesses that are exempt and to what degree. Mad River Property Management falls under the following:
m. other building and property services for the safety, sanitation and operations of residences or other businesses;
So, here’s what that means for us and for you. Grant, Susan and myself will continue to operate the business for the time being. Susan is primarily working remotely, and Grant and I will handle all of the onsite homeowner services. We will still be monitoring the property and common areas routinely, and will be available for any property issues that arise. We will refrain from entering your unit while the Covid-19 restrictions are in place unless there’s an emergency or special request. If we do, we will wear gloves at all times.
We will be laying off our current winter staff (Drew, Jake, Josh, Ollie, Kelly) until further notice. Hopefully, this will only be a few weeks and then they’ll be able to get back to work. In the meantime, they will file for unemployment benefits. It’s a difficult decision to make, as our staff are like family to us, but they know the seriousness of the current restrictions and are understanding. We will not bring on any of our seasonal staff until this all blows over as well. It should be noted that if we get another snowfall, they will work to plow and shovel on a per-diem basis. This may set our spring cleanups back a couple weeks, but with any luck, we’ll be back in the game by mid-April. We’ll see.
So, there you have it. Everybody, stay safe and healthy, and let me know if you have any questions at all. As always, you can call, email, text, smoke signal, whatever. Thanks for your understanding, and have a good night.
Best,
Ed