County declines ARP funds for hospital

By Larry Tucker
editor@wood.cm
Posted 2/10/22

Wood County commissioners declined a request from UT Health Quitman for the county to use part of the money received through the American Rescue Plan. City councils in Mineola and Quitman have already sent part of their funds to the hospital.

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County declines ARP funds for hospital

Posted

Wood County commissioners declined a request from UT Health Quitman for the county to use part of the money received through the American Rescue Plan (ARP). City councils in Mineola and Quitman have already sent part of their funds to the hospital.

Commissioner Precinct 2 Jerry Gaskill questioned where the county stood with GrantWorks since they were hired by they county to assist in determining how to spend and regulate ARP money.

“We should err on the side of caution,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Russell Acker said. “GrantWorks can tell us if there is something else we could spend the money on. We might lower the percentage a little bit if I can spend money on the jail. We still need to know where we can spend the money.”

Judge Lucy Hebron moved to approve $419,604 to the hospital. Precinct 3 Commissioner Mike Simmons seconded. They voted yes, but the motion failed as Commissioners Virgil Holland, Gaskill and Acker voted no.

Commissioners plan to look at the request further after hearing from the consultants.

A public hearing on adopting guidelines and criteria for granting abatement within a reinvestment zone for commercial and industrial tax abatement in Wood County led to the matter being tabled. 

Commissioners approved adding Paul Holland as a reserve officer on a request from Constable Precinct 3 John McQueen. Holland recently retired as an officer in Allen and has 30 years experience. Using the reserve officer will not cost the county anything. The officer’s uniform and all other supplies will be paid for by Holland.

Commissioners tabled approving the radio tower contract until the next meeting. In another matter, commissioners approved the sale of fireworks for Texas Independence Day.