Pendleton County Fiscal Court held a public hearing during their regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 23 for the purpose of receiving public comments on applying for a CDGB Covid-19 Relief grant.
No one was present to make comments and Mitchell indicated that there were no requests to view the application in the judge’s office or no comments or questions.
Governor Andy Beshear announced in January that up to $38 million was available for local governments to help Kentuckians with overdue utility bills in their jurisdiction. Each unit of local government may request up to $200,000 for assistance in their communities.
According to Bill Mitchell, Economic Director of Pendleton County, Pendleton County has $125,000 in delinquent fees from Pendleton County residents.
The grant would be a pass through for the county, meaning they would receive the funds and pass through their account while not costing the local government anything.
District 4 Magistrate asked if the cities were applying separately.
Mitchell answered, “One application is for all of the county. It includes all of the utilities. Water districts will receive a little. City of Falmouth will receive a little.”
He added in response to a question from District 2 Magistrate Josh Plummer that Owen County Electric is also a participant in this program.
Mineer asked if it included late fees and reconnect fees to which Mitchell indicated it did while pointing out that “the check is written to utility company on behalf of the person.”
It was a point that District 3 Magistrate Darrin Gregg would ask twice.
“Let me understand this right. The government is going to pay the utility bill of someone who cannot pay their bill and the check is sent to the utility company.”
Mitchell indicated that was correct.
Gregg would later vote against the measure and would tell the Falmouth Outlook later, “I think many are tired of the government sending checks to these big businesses. It’s time for these big businesses to help those in need instead of relying on the governmment to bail them out with a check.”
The measure would pass with the other four members of the court voting aye.
Mitchell indicated that based on a request from Judge Executive David Fields, the application would be processed and submitted early May.
When the money comes down, it would be a new fiscal year which starts July 1, 2021. There would be no need to amend the present 2020-21 budget if the funds arrive before June 30, 2021.
According to Mitchell, the funds would come down in two to three months and then it would take another two to three months to disseminate the dollars to the proper utilities.
“There are 30 applicants from Northern Kentucky....Frankfort will probably get over 200 applications,” he added.
Beshear said at the time of the announcement of the grant, “Even with our victory over Covid-19 coming into sight, times are still tough for our families. We are grateful to be able to provide these funds, because they will ensure many Kentuckians won’t have to make the impossible choice between feeding their family and keeping the lights on.”
The Department of Local Government (DLG) will administer the funding from the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV) program established by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Households are eligible for up to $250 per month for six consecutive months if:
They live in a city or county approved for funding;
Have been financially impacted by Covid-19;
Are struggling to pay water, sewer, electric, gas or other heating and cooling bills; and
Have received notice for disconnect between January 21, 2020 and present day and/or up to two months following.
