Emergency proclamation made in Troy

After the death of a Bull Lake man to COVID-19 underscored the danger of the coronavirus pandemic, Troy Mayor Dallas Carr has opted to declare a local emergency.

Carr said the measure is anticipatory, potentially making the community of just over 900 eligible for emergency aid should the global crisis worsen locally. He issued the proclamation March 31.

“Hopefully, that gets us in line, if there is the necessity, to get the funding quicker rather than later,” Carr said. “Right now, because we did have that gentleman from out of Bull Lake pass away, it hits pretty close to home.”

Jim Tomlin, 77, died of complications linked to COVID-19 on March 26, just days after contracting the illness. He became the first individual in Lincoln County, and Montana, to succumb to a disease that has upended life across the world.

More than a million cases of COVID-19 had been reported worldwide by April 3. New York, the state hardest hit by the respiratory disease, has recorded more than 3,500 deaths. Hospitals in that state are reportedly struggling to keep up with the influx of patients and daily life in New York City has ground to a halt.

Carr said that while the region is doing well by comparison, the situation could change. It is better to be prepared, he said.

“Maybe I jumped the gun, but I don’t feel like it,” said Carr, who reported to speaking with other mayors across the state about the situation. “It’s just making sure if something did come about, and there are emergency services out there, we’re going to be in line to get at them.”

Carr praised residents and local business owners for following best practices for preventing the spread of the illness. Most public gathering places, including City Hall, have shut down, for example, as per directives from Gov. Steve Bullock.

Carr described the people still working in essential industries in glowing terms.

“We do have the people working in the stores — they’re our heroes,” he said. “We do have some gas stations open and some drive thrus, but basically we’re shut down here and doing what we’re asked to do. And the people are working are doing a heckuva job.”

He expressed regret about the decision to close public parks. Early on, Carr hoped children could still get together for games, like baseball, where social distancing recommendations could be maintained.

Luckily, it’s Montana, he said.

“We can all jump in the car and go for a ride,” Carr said.

The idea to declare a local emergency came from the mayor’s previous experience on Troy’s city council. During a bad snowstorm several years ago, then-mayor Darren Coldwell floated the idea. Then, as now, it was seen as a preemptive move, Carr said.

He said that, as mayor, he was coordinating with County Commissioner Jerry Bennett (D-2) and the state’s congressional delegation as well while trying to get information out to residents.

The town also has begun holding public meetings over the phone and Internet.

“I’m just trying to stay one step ahead,” Carr said. “We’re just going to do what we’re asked to do. Be as vigil as we can possibly be and do what we’re asked to do.”