Time is running out for the Jackson County Legislature in Kansas City to decide how to use more than $70 million in federal COVID relief funds. The county received this money from the American Rescue Plan Act over three years ago, and has until December 31, 2024 to spend it. If a decision isn’t reached, the funds will be returned to the federal government.
In light of the approaching deadline, a special session was held where different spending proposals were discussed, including using the funds for improvements to a County building, paying first responders’ salaries, and allocating money to various groups and organizations. County Executive Frank White supports using the funds for building improvements, while Legislator Manny Abarca presented multiple ordinances outlining potential uses for the money.
Despite the urgency of the situation, a final decision has yet to be made, and the Legislature plans to reconvene to continue discussing how to allocate the funds effectively. Some concerns were raised about the legality of using the funds on salaries now that the pandemic is over, but County Administrator Troy Schulte believes it would be permissible based on the state’s previous actions. Ultimately, time is running out, and the county must act quickly to avoid losing these crucial funds.
Source
Photo credit fox4kc.com
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