SCBC to go offsite on Tuesday to discuss how to spend $5 million in COVID relief funds

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners will go offsite on Tuesday, following its regular scheduled meeting, to discuss how the county will use $5 million in COVID relief funds.

As WNEG News reported last month, County Administrator Phyllis Ayers told the board that the funds from the American Rescue Plan have strict restrictions on how the county can use the funding.

Commission Chairperson Michelle Ivester thanked Ayers for securing the funds.

Ayers told the Board, at the time, that securing the funds was difficult, so much so, that many counties opted out seeking funding.

“That’s excellent money, we will definitely put it to good use. Thank you, Phyllis, for all the hard work,” Ivester said.
“I had to tie my personal Social Security Number and ID to this, to get through the steps to get this for the Stephens County government,” Ayers said.

Ivester asked Ayers how many counties did not apply for the funds.

Ayers was unsure the exact number but said many decided against it.

“I don’t know how many formally received it; but, I do know in my conferences, some of the counties turned it in, they didn’t even want to try for it. It does have really strict guidelines. It has to all be spent by December 31, 2026 or you’ve got to pay it back. If you spend it on the wrong projects, that’s where our County Attorney will get involved, you’ll have to return it,” Ayers said.

Commissioner Debbie Whitlock told her fellow commissioners that she was troubled by the county receiving the $5 million.

“Thank you; however, it also contributes to our national debt and that troubles me. Is it any different—you have those who complain about giving people who don’t have money, the government gives them money and gives them that, is it any different when the county or municipalities take the money and contribute to our national debt? I don’t see any difference. That’s just my opinion. But we’re going to have to put the money to good use,” Whitlock said.

Again, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners will go offsite on Tuesday, to discuss how to spend the funds from the American Rescue Plan.

The offsite meeting will be held in the conference room at the Stephens County Airport.

The meeting is open to the public.

For questions regarding the meeting contact County Clerk Beth Rider by calling 706-898-5750.