Huntsville Revenue Loss

City could lose millions of dollars due to virus.

Those cases are in franklin county.

This morning we're learning more about the economic impact coronavirus is having on the city of huntsville.

Mayor tommy battle says the city will lose at least 15 million dollars.

Waay 31's rodneya ross is live outside huntsville city hall.

Rodneya -- does mayor battle have a plan on how to prevent the city from losing so much money?

Right now -- mayor battle says a lot of that money is directly tied to restaurants and bars- so it's important we find a way to safely reopen them as soon as possible.

Battle told us he was hoping restaurants would be able to reopen their dining rooms on friday -- but the governor's safer at home doesn't allow that.

Battle said sales tax revenue from the last month shows the impact of curbside and delivery only restaurants.

He said empty hotels and convention centers only adds to the financial pain.

Sot tommy battle, mayor of huntsville"our overall hit is going to be around 15 million dollars.

It could go to 20 million if you want to count in some of your secondary subsidiary such as the von braun center, the museums and others."

We've got to find a way to reopen the economy without spreading the virus.

Battle is hoping to give restaurants, hair salons and gyms a date on when they can open up again by next week... but that's ultimately the governor's decision.

Reporting live in hsv, rr, waay 31 news.