Stephens County receives $5 million from American Rescue Plan

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners are planning a retreat to discuss how the county will spend $5 million in COVID Relief Funds.

During the recent Stephens County Board of Commissioners meeting, County Administrator Phyllis Ayers asked for feedback regarding when the Board would like to meet to discuss the funding.

Ayers says the funds will come from the American Rescue Plan.

“The American Rescue Plan, so, we have half of our money, and over the next few weeks Beth (County Clerk Beth Rider) will be getting us a meeting together, because this money has very, very strict rules on how it must be spent. We will go off site, when everybody is off vacations and we can talk, before the first deadline, and pick out the projects that you might want to spend this money on. For Stephens County it’s a little over $5 million,” she said.

Stephens County Chairperson Michelle Ivester thanked Ayers for securing those funds.

Ayers says the process to securing those funds was difficult.

“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 how many counties did not apply for the funds; however, Ayers didn’t know the exact number, but said that many decided against seeking funding.

“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.

Ayers said the City of Toccoa also received funds from the American Rescue Plan.

“The City of Toccoa is also getting it, I think it’s a little less than $3 million, and it’s based on population,” Ayers said.

Commissioner Debbie Whitlock explained that she was troubled by the county receiving this funding.

“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.

Ayers recommended the Board meet the first or second week in August.

WNEG News will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they become available.