OMAHA- The deliberations are just beginning over how Douglas County will spend its allocation of $111 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Douglas County Board is considering how to spend the first half of the federal funds, which are already in hand. The board voted to prioritize mental health initiatives and to address county government needs before considering external requests.

It’s a large amount of money for a county with a general fund budget of $230 million for 2021-22 and a total budget of $460 million without the federal relief money.

No specific large spending proposals have emerged, although it appears likely that the county will direct a substantial portion of the money to mental health services.

Currently, the county is routing requests through its finance director, Joe Lorenz, and an American Rescue Plan Act Strategy Committee led by County Board Chairwoman Mary Ann Borgeson. The committee, which includes County Board members Mike Friend and Chris Rodgers and three administrative staffers, will vet requests and make recommendations to the full board.

Board votes are expected by this fall for significant portions of the $55.5 million that Douglas County has already received. The other half of the federal money is expected in May.

For the full article click HERE