Tuesday’s meeting of Allen County commissioners was fairly short and sweet, but did provide an opportunity to try out new audio and internet streaming equipment purchased by the county via SPARK funds.
The new equipment acquired with COVID-19 relief money includes microphones, speakers, and the digital means to safely share meetings with those watching online.
“One of the biggest complaints we had was that people couldn’t hear when everyone was talking,” noted commissioner Bill King.
Many other improvements are coming to county buildings and spaces thanks to $2.4 million in federal SPARK dollars as well.
LISSE Regehr, CEO of the Thrive Allen County, was once again on hand to help see the county make full use of the $2.4 million it had been granted by the federal government.
For instance, the five assisted living centers across the county said they’d be interested in using SPARK funds to purchase ultraviolet UVC cleaning equipment from Sonic Equipment/Kneisley Manufacturing.
This would expend $40,000, leaving over $38,969 in SPARK in the county coffers.
One additional option Regehr pitched to commissioners was opening up another round of grants to small businesses and nonprofits across the county, especially for those entities who applied for similar funds in the past but were denied.
This upcoming grant opportunity would take the form of a reimbursement for costs, so those interested entities should collect appropriate receipts.
“There is greater need for food this year,” Regehr pointed out, suggesting finding a way for the county to bolster food banks, churches and other groups that feed people.
Commissioners therefore agreed that up to $2,000 might be available per entity.
Those interested in seeing whether they qualify for SPARK funds can contact Thrive Allen County via phone (620-365-8128) or email ([email protected]).
FOLLOWING a recommendation by the zoning board, commissioners gave the green light to construction of a new communications tower at 1826 1000 St,, Iola.
The work will be undertaken by LaHarpe Communications.
Commissioners also gave approval for placing drop-boxes outside county facilities so that residents could, for example, pay a speeding ticket in contactless fashion.
