County leaders should listen on covid funding

Washington County Quorum Court justices of the peace have a wonderful opportunity to help all residents of this county. They received about $4.5 million last November 25 from the CARES Act (they have yet to spend most of this). The county received $23.2 million on June 10 from the American Rescue Plan and is scheduled to receive the same amount next year for a total of $46 million-plus. Some of the justices want to spend $25 million-plus on a jail expansion.

But this money came to us — yes, us as residents of Washington County — because it was meant to be spent to help mitigate the impact of covid. Even though the Quorum Court has voted to move forward with the $25 million-plus on a jail expansion, you and I have the right and the means to ask them to pause this expenditure and think of all the other things they could do with the money that would benefit more of the community rather than a jail.

This money could be used to provide food assistance, utility assistance or job training services; expand Wi-Fi; provide legal aid services; expand transportation to service important buildings like the courthouse and library; help subsidize housing, provide rental assistance and mortgage assistance, emergency assistance with burials, assistance with weatherization; reopen the Crisis Stabilization Unit and provide community-based case management and mentoring services; provide mental health care and treatment programs.

This is not a complete list.

I think these types of programs could have a major impact on more of the county population than a jail expansion. I’m asking the justices to please consult the National Association of Counties for ideas on options that have already been identified and are available for counties to choose from. In addition, I would ask them to seek feedback and ideas from the people who make up this county. Why would you not?

Please email or call your justice of the peace and urge them to put this expenditure on pause. Find them here: https://www.washingtoncountyar.gov/government/elected-officials/ quorum-court. Please speak up!

ALLEN CARNEY

Fayetteville