Time is running out.
After originally receiving $2.4 million in CARES Act/SPARK funds, Allen County has to spend every remaining cent by the end of the year … or else return it.
Lisse Regehr and Becky Voorhies of Thrive Allen County were therefore on hand to continue a dialogue with commissioners about how best to spend the balance.
Most of the initial sum has already been strategically spent, but some possible options for using what remains include providing local small businesses and nonprofits with additional grant opportunities, even if the amounts are smaller than with previous SPARK subgrants.
Another item high on people’s lists is personal protective equipment (PPE), which is especially relevant as the SPARK funds are designed specifically with COVID-19 relief in mind.
Commissioner Bruce Symes asked about gloves and other safety items that might not be arriving before the end of the year deadline, and Voorhies assured him that this should not be an issue so long as items had already been purchased.
Being able to assist local food pantries also remains high on the list of possibilities, commissioners have previously noted, especially during the holiday season.
Following the retirement of Tim Thyer, Iola’s new fire chief, Chase Waggoner, was on hand to introduce himself to commissioners.
Waggoner was formerly fire chief in Girard for four years, and also served as city manager for Williams, Ariz.
Commissioners additionally appointed Lonnie Larson as an Iola Township trustee.
They also decided to keep intact an agreement where the Red Cross could use the Humboldt Senior Center in the event of an emergency.
“In case of a disaster, that’s where people would go,” emphasized clerk Sherrie Riebel.
Public works director Mitch Garner suggested work was being affected by the cold temperatures, but noted that crews were still out trimming trees and patching potholes.
Garner and commissioners also celebrated a rare “Thank you” they’d received from a resident regarding mowing.
Garner further agreed to retrieve some statistics on how much traffic/fuel the Allen County airport was receiving during the past year, as the economic development potential for the airport continues to grow.
