To the rescue

The “needs list” will come first.

McClain County will receive $7.8 million from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan.

“We have a list of needs at the county level and will take care of those first,” said Wilson Lyles, vice chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.

Lyles said Sheriff Landy Offolter has asked for a “sizeable” amount to fund needs in the sheriff’s department and jail.

And, Lyles added, there are “some needs at the courthouse we need to address to preserve the building going into the future. Things you don’t think about on a daily basis.”

The commissioners also have a plan for expending any remaining American Rescue Plan funds.

A portal will be added to the county’s website for organizations to explain their needs and request funding.

There is one caveat. Organizations making an application must have exhausted all other resources.

“Don’t come to the county expecting to be funded,” he continued. “This is strictly an application.”

Lyles said the commissioners will carefully consider each application and determine “what will benefit the most people.”

The portal should be up the first week of April, he added.