Robbinsville – After receiving its first alottment from the American Rescue Plans earlier this year, Graham County is now taking steps to learn how the dollars can and cannot be used.
Finance Officer Becky Garland discussed the more than $800,000 allotment the county had received, with a second on the way in the next fiscal year during Tuesday’s Graham County Board of Commissioners meeting.
The board adopted a resolution accepting the money.
Such a vote was required by the state, even though the federal American Rescue Plan funds have already come to the county.
“By state statute the board has to take action,” Garland said. “This resolution is basically saying that we received $819,000 and change and then we’ll be getting the second tranche next May – for a total of $1,639,565 – and what we are going to spend it in accordance with the requirements of the American Rescue Plan Act.”
She also discussed a video call with Gov. Roy Cooper and leadership from other North Carolina counties. She said the governor suggested that counties use the funds for broadband projects.
However, Garland noted there would likely be legal issues as the law currently stands.
“The way the state law currently reads is that if a county wants to do a broadband project, due to state law they can’t use (American Rescue Plan) funds, because the statute also says that any monies that would go towards an (internet service provider) can’t come out of restricted money,” Garland explained.
She said she had heard that there was some talk about amending the law, and that Cooper was clear about waiting to see what happens.
“He kept talking about broadband,” Garland said.
The board is tentatively scheduled to meet for an American Rescue Plan workshop at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 6.
Other news and notes
The board also approved two re-appropriations, moving funds for a new ambulance for the county and new lights at Big Oaks Stadium into the new fiscal year budget, to match up with their delivery and completion, respectively.
The board also approved some new road names, including Tammy’s Trail, Boree Road, Thelma Lane, West Buffalo Cove Road and Mt. Sizemore Way. All newly-named roads are in the vicinity of Yellow Creek.
Despite the meeting’s closed session lasting some time, the board took no action. Due to the community building being used for court purposes this week, the board met in the American Legion Building on Moose Branch Road.