County accepts $3.4 million CARES Act money

WAXAHACHIE – If $3.4 million dollars sounds like a lot of money, it definitely is.

The Ellis Commissioners Court approved the Coronavirus Relief Fund, in the CARES Act at the June 30 meeting with a vote of 3:1.

This item had been tabled once already so proper research could be conducted to establish whether or not the money had any links to the hot button item for many libertarians – Contact Tracing.

Commissioner Kyle Butler, pct. 4, voted yes. 

He had suggested tabling the item at commissioners court on June 2. 

After having several sets of qualified eyes on the document, Butler felt confident there was no language there were implications of Contact Tracing. Butler said, “I voted yes for the relief fund. As of right now we have spent around $1.2-million since COVID-19 started in March, per Judge Little. 

“This will help relieve some unaccounted tax dollars which were not considered in last year’s budget. 

“It will also keep us from having to pull from our reserve fund. If we don’t need all of the money we qualified for funded by the Cares Act, what is left over will be returned.”

Another commissioner to vote yes was Lane Grayson. He clarified how he understands contact tracing to be managed and his reasons for voting yes. 

“The county does not have a health department but an associate in Dr. Leigh Nordstrom. There is not even a potential for Contact Tracing at the county level. It happens at the state level.

“The county relies on Dr. Nordstrom, who was approved for another year, for health related matters rather than a health department.” 

Grayson emphasized the money he voted yes to accept was a down payment of 20% of $3.4-million. He said, “We need to be a good steward for our citizens.”

Erik Test, chief of staff, did the research for the county and provided some background information. 

“I could not find any evidence relating to Contact Tracing in the 30-40 page document signed by the commissioners. 

“In talking to cities who have already received funding, the only mention of Contact Tracing in CAREs Act money is it is reimbursable,” said Test. 

Commissioner Paul Perry was the only commissioner to vote against receiving funds. The commissioner said, “I never think it’s bad business for a conservative to reject money from the Federal Government. At this point we are taking advantage of the federal tax payer. This is a time for conservative fiscal management, period.”

Perry is also concerned about any hidden implications of receiving funds from the Federal Government, and therefore stands by the county having sufficient funds to cover the costs accrued due to Covid 19.

The reasons for accepting the relief are tenable with the county already spending over $1 million. Judge Little believes the money being spent will increase over time as he suggested in the discussion. To list a few items and services the county has rendered for coronavirus: PPE for nursing homes and assisted living facilities, cleaning and sanitizing services, and technology to ensure the court proceedings within the county can continue.

It’s easy to understand the hesitation to accept federal money. Oftentimes this money comes with hidden variables, as Commissioner Perry put it, “their tentacles wrapped around the county’s neck.”

Texans typically have a cavalier attitude and will find a way to make due with the resources Texas already has. Still though, accepting money up for grabs for relief of an unforeseen pandemic could be beneficial in this particular case. For those saying financial help is of dire concern, this is a welcome weight lifted. For those with concern of hidden federal overreach tied to funding, can they be blamed? Like with most programs brought on by the feds, hindsight is 20/20, literally in the case of the year 2020.