By FRED SWIFT
While Hamilton County officials are considering ways they are allowed to spend $65.5 million in federal COVID relief funds, cities in the county have gotten bad news from U.S. government authorities.
Noblesville, for example, was advised in April that the city could expect about $13.5 million. But, more recently the amount was reduced by the Treasury Department to $6.2 million, according to City Clerk Evelyn Lees.
Carmel was informed of an even more dramatic reduction from an anticipated $20 million to $7 million, according to one city official. Fishers and Westfield apparently also saw their shares reduced.
The reason for the change in dividing of the $2.9 trillion government relief fund is a decision to consider Hamilton County cities as urban rather than non-urban. There is apparently no appeal process for the change.
Meanwhile, county commissioners met Monday with County Council representatives to discuss ways they can spend their massive grant. Lost income suffered by various county agencies will be submitted to commissioners for potential reimbursement, according to Commissioner Steve Dillinger.
There are other areas where the money can be spent including grants to non-profit charitable organizations and small businesses which suffered financially from the pandemic. But, spending on capital building projects is not allowed.
The county already disbursed $3,000 to each essential employee who worked during last year’s pandemic. Cities have not as yet announced any such bonus for their employees.