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County has rescue funds in bank




Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell said $2,597,063 from the 2021 American Rescue Plan is now in the county’s bank account, with the second half expected sometime next year.

Plans are being made regarding how best to work the money, which comes with some restrictions, into the county budget.

“We’re currently receiving the criteria, and we are reviewing the criteria, set out by the federal government to determine how to recommend the use of the funds,” Mitchell said. “There are quite a few limitations and expectations as to how the money should be used.”

He said once a plan is developed, it will be presented to the commissioners for for approval.

Commissioner John Yeackle asked if infrastructure expenses might be allowed.

“There are some infrastructure allowances in that, there’s some different things they do encourage us to use it on. So that’s why we are going over it right now, we don’t want to spend it on something then have to go back and repay that,” Mitchell said.

“We are taking our time and getting it done, and doing it right. We should have a recommendation probably within 30 days.”

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Act into law in mid-March, and Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez, of Senate District 19, announced Uvalde County would receive approximately $5,200,000 in COVID-19 relief funds as a result of the passage of the bill.

Overall, cities and counties in District 19 will be receiving approximately $846.8 million, including $3,938,224 to Frio County; $711,192 to Kinney County; $374,700 to Edwards County; $669,494 to Real County; and $2,296,295 to Zavala County.

Alice Chapman

Other business

Uvalde County auditor Alice Chapman said 100 percent of Uvalde County employees and officials have completed the government-required Texas Association of Counties cyber training.

The training is mandated for all those who have access to local government computer systems.

Chapman said assistant auditor M’Liss Braker coordinated the effort under the direction of the commissioners court.

Under state law, Tex. Government Code §2054.5191, effective June 14, 2019, all elected officials and any local government employee who has access to a local government computer system or database must complete a cybersecurity training program certified by the Texas Department of Information Resources at least annually.

The course, which fulfills the requirements of the law, was offered at no charge by the Texas Association of Counties.