Commissioners boost ARPA spending for vaccines

Monday, November 13, 2023

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County commissioners agreed to use COVID relief money to buy COVID-19 and other vaccinations at Monday’s regular meeting.

Red Willow County Health Department Director Brandy Bird said more residents than expected were taking advantage of vaccinations for things like COVID, shingles, RSV and others, so her agency had already spent about $96,000 of its $125,000 budget on vaccines with more than half of the budget year remaining.

After discussion, commissioners agreed to designate $40,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for vaccinations if needed.

Vaccinations bring in about 27% more than they cost than they cost the county, a “profit” that can offset other expenses.

Bird was directed to begin using ARPA funds for vaccinations immediately. The county has more than $1 million in ARPA funding that must be spent before the end of the 2026 fiscal year.

Commissioner Randy Dean noted that the county planning commission will receive the final draft of proposed alternative energy regulations on Dec. 11, which could then go to the commissioners on Dec. 12.

Commissioners will next meet on Nov. 27 as they switch to a second- and fourth-Monday-of-the-month meeting schedule instead of every week.

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