Monday morning, the Ross County Commissioners passed their 2022 budget. It is about average, at about $31,405,000 million dollars.
The commissioners noted that 2021 was great year for sales tax revenue...which was up even in 2020, possibly because of pandemic payments to taxpayers.
The county budget includes so-called "rescue money" from the federal government, to be used or disbursed to help with pandemic losses.
Ross County Auditor Tom Spetnagel Jr. explained that every county and city was given "American Rescue Plan" funds, which they have until the end of 2026 to spend. Ross got a significant amount, with $14,000,000 allocated over two years.
They have received half, but have allocated only $2,500,000 so far.
He says nonprofits and county agencies could apply through a form on the commissioner's website, though the application deadline has passed.
UPDATE: The commissioners' office has clarified that they are considering using some of the funds for county infrastructure, and have not decided if they will open another grant process in 2022.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture