MT. VERNON, IL — The Jefferson County Board is set to hold a special meeting on Monday, July 12th to begin compiling wish lists regarding the use of American Rescue Plan funds. The county is set to receive a total of $7.3 million with half sent out between May and July and the second half distributed next year. If the funds are not spent correctly, all that are misspent or unspent have to be returned.
The board recently approved at $20,000 agreement with Bellwether LLC to help guide the county on what the funds can and cannot be used for when it comes to helping various citizens and organizations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Board Chairman Cliff Lindemann says the range of what they can spend the money on is vast, but requires specific guidelines.
Lindemann mentioned one thing the money could be approved for would be broadband internet for the county’s rural communities. The general public is welcome to attend the meeting that starts at 5pm in the board room of the Jefferson County Courthouse.