Potential uses for the more than $12 million in federal funding from the CARES Act was discussed at the Platte County Commission’s administrative session this week.
A hearing outlining the creation of a fund in anticipation of the receipt of CARE Act funds was held. During that hearing, county auditor Kevin Robinson discussed the county’s expenditures so far on the COVID-19 pandemic. Robinson said about $24,000 in spending is related to increased payroll to respond to the pandemic. An additional $31,000 in non-payroll costs have also been submitted, with another $10,000 pending for deep cleaning of the county buildings, including a disinfectant fogging treatment. Televisions and systems allowing for remote court proceedings have also been installed.
Presiding commissioner Ron Schieber said the county has received a four-page document regarding the funds, with very little instruction on how the funds should be distributed. He said the commission is working with its legal counsel to identify possible uses and priorities.
“The health impacts of COVID-19 are serious,” Schieber said. “The health impacts of people not able to do their jobs and support their families is just as serious.”
Robinson said he will not sign off on any disbursement until clear guidance and legal advisement on the use of the funds is issued.
Commission candidate David Park asked if funds could be used to relieve overcrowded conditions at the Platte County Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s offices. Schieber said neither department head had requested this, but it could be taken into consideration.
BALLOT INITIATIVE
The deadline is looming for placement of a renewal of the parks and recreation sales tax and creation of a law enforcement sales tax on the August ballot.
Schieber said commissioners have tentatively scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, May 26 – the deadline to file for the August primary election – to approve ballot language. If final details on the plan cannot be finalized by that date, the election will be postponed to the November general election.
WEBSITE UPDATES
Director of parks and recreation Daniel Erickson pointed county residents to the newly updated Platte County Parks website, platteparks.com, where an updated list of trails has been published. All trails within the county will be included, giving residents options to walk different trails and better practice social distancing.
Erickson said the parks department is also discussing ways to assist its partners – specifically youth ball clubs impacted by the shutdown.
YOUTH SPORTS
The bulk of the meeting was focused on public comments regarding youth sports, with eight individuals representing various youth sports programs across the county speaking out. Representatives from KC Sports, Parkville Athletic Center, Northland Sports Alliance, Edge Gymnastics and more gave sometimes emotional statements about the impacts of the closure. Concerns such as loss of opportunity for youth – including loss of sports scholarships – relocation of clientele to counties with looser restrictions, economic hardships and more were shared.
Commissioners urged speakers to send concerns to the Platte County Health Department, whose board was scheduled to meet Tuesday, May 19 (see related story).
The health department did release an amended order Monday, allowing team practice sessions to resume — with severe restrictions — this week. Competitive play can begin on Wednesday, June 1, also with restrictions.