Scotland County to Receive $575,102 CARES Act Federal Funding for COVID-19 Expenses

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With much of Scotland County reopening this past week following the national shutdown related to the Coronavirus, local government received news that it will be receiving a significant influx of federal dollars to help offset the costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the May 4th COVID-19 briefing, Governor Mike Parson announced that the state will be disbursing funds received through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to local governments.

Scotland County will receive $575,102 as part of the federal bailout for local governments.

“COVID-19 has had an overwhelming impact on our economy, and many local governments, health care providers, education institutions, businesses, and other groups will rely on this funding,” Governor Parson said.

Under the CARES Act, Missouri received approximately $2.4 billion in federal funding, including nearly $173.5 million for St. Louis County and $122.7 million for Jackson County.

Twenty-five percent of the remaining state share will be distributed to Missouri counties based on population.

Including the more than half million dollars headed to Scotland County, CARES funds headed to northeast Missouri will surpass $4 million. Adair County will see the biggest influx of federal dollars, receiving $2,973,240 based on its population of 25,243. Clark County will receive $797,424 for its population of 6,797. Knox County will receive $464,470 and Schuyler County will get $546,711.

The federal funds are restricted for use to cover necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). They cannot be used to account for expenditures budgeted for prior to March 27, 2020.

Funds provided as direct payment from the State of Missouri pursuant to this certification for necessary expenditures that were incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ending on December 30, 2020, that are not expended on those necessary expenditures on or before March 31, 2021, by the political subdivision or its grantee(s), must be returned to the State of Missouri on or before April 1, 2021.

Funds provided pursuant to this certification cannot be used as a revenue replacement for lower than expected tax or other revenue collections.

On April 28, 2020, Scotland County received information and guidance from the office of the Missouri State Treasurer regarding the distribution of certain CARES Act funds from the State of Missouri to Scotland County.

The Treasurer’s office requested Scotland County to review, approve, sign and return a certification for payment by Friday, May 1, 2020 based on the guidance issued by the State Treasurer.

The County anticipated receipt of the CARES Act funds on or about Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

“Scotland County will utilize the guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the State of Missouri in making determinations about the use, including allocation and award of the funds received under the CARES Act,” the Scotland County Commission stated in a press release. “Scotland County is in the process of reviewing the CARES Act requirements and guidelines issued by Treasury and will develop policies addressing issues related to the next anticipated steps in this process, including who can apply to receive these funds and the process and requirements for doing so. Further information regarding Scotland County’s allocation and distribution of CARES Act funds will be made available to the public as more information is gathered.” .

On April 10, Governor Parson established an informal working group, led by State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, to help make recommendations on the best use of federal funding provided under the CARES Act. The Treasurer’s Office has also created a web pageto provide updates on the working group and CARES Act funds.

“As we work through this process, I want Missourians to know that we will be as transparent as possible,” Governor Parson said. “We hope posting this information in one public place will help Missourians stay up-to-date and feel confident that we are working hard to make every dollar count for the people of this state.”

Governor Mike Parson also signed Executive Order 20-10 extending four previous Executive Orders assisting with Missouri’s COVID-19 response through June 15, 2020:

Executive Order 20-04 easing regulatory burdens

Executive Order 20-05 allowing the sale of unprepared restaurant foods

Executive Order 20-06 mobilizing the Missouri National Guard in the state’s COVID-19 response efforts

Executive Order 20-08 waiving the requirement for a person to be physically present in front of a notary public

Extending these Executive Orders through June 15 is consistent with the state of emergency extension issued by Governor Parson on April 24.