The DeKalb County Commission plans to put a $343,764 state appropriation grant towards paving several county sites. The funds are set to be used on parking lots at the County Complex, E-911 Dispatch Center, DeKalb EMS, and the DeKalb County Fire Department’s Main Station 59, as well repaving and repairing fences at county garbage convenience sites.

Counties and cities across the state received state appropriation grants 2021-22, to be used towards the needs that most need to be met. The grants mandate that the expenditures have to be non-recurring, can potentially replace lost revenue, and do not have to be related to COVID-19. Funds are subject to review by the Comptroller of the Treasury and are not connected to the American Rescue Plan funds.

It was first believed that there was no timeline as to how soon the funds must be spent by the county, but during a workshop meeting by the County Commission last Thursday, County Mayor Tim Stribling announced that he has since learned that the grant funds must be spent or committed to a project by June 30, 2022. After that, unspent funds shall revert back to the state general fund.

Some of the projects have already received estimate for paving, with $151,042 for the County Complex parking lot and striping, and $29,957 for the DeKalb EMS parking lot. Estimates for the E-911 Center, convenience sites, and possibly DeKalb Fire Station 59 are waiting to be received.

The County Commission almost unanimously approved the projects, with the only “no” vote from First District Commissioner Julie Young.

City of Smithville was awarded $68,457 through the State direct appropriation grant, while the City of Alexandria was awarded $26,072. The City of Liberty received $18,610, while the City of Dowelltown was awarded $19,398.