Callaway County now has another chunk of COVID-19 relief funds to dole out.
Callaway County Presiding Commissioner Gary Jungermann announced during Tuesday's community update - hosted virtually by the Callaway Chamber of Commerce - the county has received the first half of its America Rescue Plan Act funding.
The total for the first portion is now in Callaway's possession is $4.3 million. Jungermann added the county will receive the other 50 percent - roughly the same amount - in no less than a year.
He also explained the county can utilize the funds to cover COVID-related expenses between March 3 of this year and Dec. 31, 2024. The money can be kept until Dec. 31, 2026, when any unused amount has to be returned to the federal government.
"Everything we do with the money is all about COVID," Jungermann said. "We've got some thoughts. The government is talking about (using it for) infrastructure, like (internet) broadband, sewer, water and stormwater. I think we have to look outside the box and spread our wings and cover the gamut of the whole situation."
This round of COVID funds comes on the heels of the $5.2 million Callaway received and distributed through the CARES Act last year.
Jungermann noted the county is receiving guidance from the National Association of Counties on how best to allocate the latest funding. He also pointed out the local committee that influenced how to earmark the CARES Act funds will reconvene in a couple of weeks to discuss allocation of the ARPA money.
"We want everyone (across the county) to have a voice," Jungermann said. "We'll all sit around and talk, and throw things out. At the end of the day, no one can say that they didn't have a voice."
Jungermann shared in Tuesday's community update the Callaway County Health Department will be hosting a walk-in COVID vaccination clinic - using the Johnson & Johnson one-dose shot - from 1-3 p.m. today. The department is located at 4950 County Road 304 in Fulton.
Jungermann also gave a brief update on the county's two capital projects - the Callaway County Sheriff's Office and Jail, and the Callaway County Justice Center.
Work is ongoing at the sheriff's department but has been interrupted by frequent rain this spring.
"They're a little behind schedule, but it will be picking up as the mud goes away," Jungermann said.
He reported demo work on the Justice Center is expected to start the first of July. Jungermann explained the scheduled finish dates for both projects is either fall or early winter in 2022.
Meanwhile, Fulton Mayor Lowe Cannell reported the Fulton City Council recently had "pretty productive" work sessions on the city's gas reserves and a mid-year evaluation with the chamber.
Cannell added discussions were underway on the city's budget and salaries for city workers.
"We always want to pay employees the best that we can, but we also have budget constraints," Cannell said.
Holts Summit City Administrator Hanna Thomas explained the city's sewer project would hopefully be completed by the end of July.
"We'll get everybody connected, have a final walk-through in the next few weeks and then start flushing to Jeff City," Thomas said.
Fulton 58 Schools Superintendent Ty Crain noted Fulton High School had a successful graduation outside last Friday night despite the chilly weather. Crain added with construction work happening at the district's three elementary schools, summer school would take place entirely at the high school this year.
"We have a lot of things going on," Crain said. "We'll take a quick breath and then start summer school (next week)."