What did the Perry County Commissioners do with the Federal “Cares Act” money?
I was proud to be part of the Board of Perry County Commissioners as we had an opportunity to provide some financial relief during the Covid-19 pandemic through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).
The Perry County Commissioners were able to take advantage of these federal dollars and provide financial assistance to a maximum of $10,000 per business to 42 Perry County businesses. The total amount of distributed funds was $382,656.27.
The Small business Relief Grant was designed to assist Ohio businesses harmed by the effects of COVID-19. The grant funds provided relief to businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. Funding for the program was 100% from the CARES Act.
Eligible businesses had to apply to the Perry County Commissioners and had to be Perry County owned and operated/located within Perry County with no more than 25 total or full-time equivalent employees.
Eligible uses for the funds included “revenue loss or unplanned costs caused by COVID-19,” such as personal protective equipment for employees and customers, as well as measures taken to protect employees, clients and customers from COVID-19. Rent, mortgage payments, and utility payments for a business were also eligible uses for the Small Business Relief Grant.
The County received a total of 59 applications, however 17 were determined ineligible or did not complete their application. This was federal money and if we did not spend it in Perry County properly it would have been sent back to Washington DC. I think it was amazing and possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to secure such funds provided through federal sources that we could pass on to 42 businesses throughout Perry County.
