In order to assist local businesses, especially those who’ve lost employees, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Thrive Allen County CEO Lisse Regehr informed commissioners that a new but “very competitive” grant opportunity had been made available through the CARES Act.
This grant could potentially supply $300,000 to the community “if awarded,” but requires additional measures beyond the application, including a community meeting.
Commissioners consented to help Thrive in moving forward, and interested parties (especially those that might have a stake in how the funds are allocated) are invited to attend the public hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 19 in the courthouse basement assembly room.
Thrive has also hired a new economic development director (who will begin in July), a position partially funded by the county in order to help bring new businesses and industry to the area.
Emergency communications director Angie Murphy said that although the county has been successful in securing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as facemasks, other local entities and businesses have not been so fortunate.
For example, Murphy suggested that certain dentists throughout the region had been hard-pressed to obtain a sufficient number of masks, and that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) had advised them to ask their respective counties for help.
Hence, she asked commissioners for their input as to whether she could distribute some number of these items to non-public entities, assisting those in need, while remaining mindful that there could be a second wave of COVID-19 that would deplete supplies.
“I think we should [help], as long as there’s a [way] that we can always order more,” said commissioner Bruce Symes.
“Give out to a point,” advised commissioner Bill King, “but we still have to have a reserve to take care of ourselves.”
“I don’t think it hurts to distribute it to a point,” he emphasized.
Both commissioners Jerry Daniels and Bruce Symes agreed, saying that if items existed in abundance, and more could be attained, Murphy had the green light to assist others.
Of note, is that this discussion relates back to the county’s earlier decision to declare an emergency declaration, and track supplies used during this time, since reimbursements are often available for supplies purchased (and hours worked) as long as a declaration is in place.
EMS members themselves also provided an update to commissioners, saying that during April the total call volume had decreased, likely due to factors such as the COVID-19 “stay-at-home” order.
Work continues on ambulance stations in Humboldt and Moran, with the Humboldt station nearing completion and the Moran station looking to be done by the end of June.
In order to save the county money, dedication plaques for the new stations are not going to be installed at this time. They might cost anywhere from $700 – $1000 a piece.
Commissioner Bill King also said that he had sent a letter to county employees asking them to be mindful of their spending due to potential economic shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
