Commissioners rush to meet grant deadline
Staff writer
The county will have to step lively to collect $2.39 million allotted to it as part of a state grant intended to defray health and economic expenses caused by COVID-19.
County commissioners met online meeting Monday with school, health, and city representatives to discuss forming a task force to work on the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas grant.
Commissioner Kent Becker said the state highly recommended that counties designate a full-time staff member to deal with the program.
“We have a very limited time to get this done,” he said.
County clerk Tina Spencer and county treasurer Janine Bateman agreed to be temporary contact people.
The state has not yet specified all information the county will need to provide, Spencer said.
Commissioners agreed that schools, cities, and health entities such as nursing homes should be represented on the task force.
Commissioners planned to meet at 8 a.m. today to appoint task force members.
A on how to spend the money is due Monday.
Spencer said the task force would have to look not just at extra expenses entities already have incurred but also at future expenses anticipated.
Health, connectivity, economic development, and education are focus areas for the grant.