This coming Thursday (March 18), the Washington County Quorum Court will revisit the discussion about where to distribute $4.5 million in CARES Act (COVID-19 relief) funds allocated to the county.

• Washington County Treasurer Bobby Hill said the $4.5 million in funds were given to the county by the state and allows the county to use the money as wiggle-room for public employees whose jobs are substantially different than their budgeted role.
• Hill said the Court originally thought the funds were intended for receipts or PPE but later learned it could be used for county employees, mainly from the jails and sheriff, whose job functions might have been changed due to the pandemic. It's basically unrestricted revenue that's allowed to build interest. -KNWA/Fox24
• What about rental assistance? That's a little different - here's why. The Court has to go through Fayetteville and Springdale Housing Authority. The Court then gives the Housing Authority the money and they distribute it. However, lawmakers and the public are divided on how the money should be spent - streets and roads vs. individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• More information on the debate can be found HERE. More information about CARES Act funds in Washington County can be found HERE.