By Monroe Roark

Times Correspondent

  A second round of COVID-19 relief for small businesses and individuals was approved by the Henry County Board of Commissioners at its October 6 regular meeting.

 Fifteen awards were approved as part of the Small Business Restart and Non-Profit program to help those affected adversely by the impact of COVID-19, with grants of $10,000 each.

  More than $5 million in relief funds have been allocated by commissioners for portions of the community which have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus. That money, initially approved in August, is divided evenly into two portions, one to be given to small businesses and the other to be distributed by nonprofits to individuals.

  A review committee was formed by the county to consider applications and determine who should receive funds. The six committee members were chosen to represent each commission district and the chair.

  The application period opened in August and will continue until all funds are disbursed. Small businesses and non-profits affected adversely by COVID-19 are encouraged to review the Small Business Restart and Non-Profit program to see if they are eligible to receive assistance. Applications are available through the county website at www.henrycounty-ga.org.

  In other COVID-related county business, the board voted to formally accept an agreement by which two Henry County organizations will receive $332,740 in CARES Act funding from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to provide assistance for homeless and transient citizens. Connecting Henry and Haven House will facilitate the distribution of funding from the DCA’s Emergency Solution Grants Program for emergency shelter (hotel/motel vouchers), homeless prevention, rapid rehousing and/or street outreach, according to a county staff report. Through partnerships with other agencies, this money will also help people in Butts, Clayton, Fayette, Jasper, Lamar and Spalding counties.

  Also at the October 6 meeting, the board voted to approve the following expenditures: $125,000 for the replacement of storm drain pipes on Honda Court in the East Atlanta Square subdivision; $86,251 to reimburse Georgia Power for moving a portion of its utility facilities as part of the West Village Parkway road construction project; and $50,098.50 in 2021 dues to the Metro North Georgia Water Planning District based on 25 cents per capita and the current county population of 203,922.

  The commissioners also awarded a contract to Lister, Holt & Dennis for indigent defense services and an updated agreement with Piedmont Henry Hospital to provide medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to the Henry County Fire Department.