Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) will soon be on the way to qualified businesses and nonprofits after the Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution for the distribution of Cares Act Funds. The action came at last night’s BOC meeting and applications will be available on the County website beginning tomorrow, Thursday, August 20.
Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 27, 2020 to provide vital resources for combatting COVID-19. Henry County received notification that the county would be eligible for $8,457,973 in the Phase 1 allocation, with a 30 percent advance in the amount of $2,537,392. On August 11, 2020, the Board of Commissioners voted 5-1 to authorize the acceptance of the funds.
The CARES Act provides payments from the CRF that may only be used to cover costs that are necessary expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, that were not budgeted. The costs must be incurred during the period beginning March 1, 2020 and ending December 30, 2020.
CARES Act reimbursements will assist the county, small businesses and individuals of Henry County and the allocations will be 40 percent to the county, 30 percent to small businesses (up to $10,000 per small business) and 30 percent to nonprofits. The following expenses are eligible for reimbursement and a full list of requirements and eligibility will be available on the application:
- Payroll and benefit costs associated with public employees who were repurposed to perform previously unbudgeted functions related to COVID-19
- Economic Support, including small business grants
- Non-profit assistance
- Acquisition and distribution of medical and protective supplies for public health or safety workers
- COVID-19 rapid and regular testing sites
- Food delivery services for elderly or vulnerable populations or food bank services
Applications will be vetted through the county’s Grant Department and then moved to a committee for evaluation. Each Commissioner will appoint a member to the committee for the purpose of reviewing submitted applications and documentation. To be considered for CARES funding, businesses and nonprofits must have their primary office located in Henry County and meet additional eligibility requirements.
Applications will continue to be processed until all funds have been disbursed.
Vice Chair and District II Commissioner Dee Clemmons lauded county staff and Financial Services Director David Smith for their efforts in bringing the resolution forth.
“This is an amazing thing that has happened in the county today, with $2.5 million going to businesses and $2.5 million going to the nonprofits that will help citizens in our community,” said Clemmons. “David, you worked hard and we thank you and your staff.”
For more information on the CARES Act Funds or the application process, please contact Nathifa Cunningham at 770-288-6541.
