The Cole County Commission is looking for residents who want to help advise the county in spending its federal COVID-19 relief funds.
The commissioners agreed Tuesday to form an advisory committee and put an application for potential members of the committee on the county's website, colecounty.org.
"The Advisory Committee is comprised of a limited number of members of Cole County residents," the application reads. "If you are interested in serving on the advisory committee, please submit your application, including qualifications, to the Cole County Commission."
The application deadline is Nov. 15; the commission will determine at a later date how many people will be on the committee.
The American Rescue Plan funds can be used in a number of ways, including public health expenditures, addressing negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic, replacing lost public sector revenue experienced during the pandemic as well as providing premium pay (additional support) for essential workers who are at high risk of potentially becoming infected with the virus while performing their jobs.
The funds could also be used for investing in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, which is something the commission has been considering. The commissioners have also discussed using the funds to address stormwater infrastructure issues.
The county has until Dec. 31, 2024, to obligate the funds to specific purposes and to spend the funds by Dec. 31, 2026.