COVID-19 THE
S I LV E R L I N I N G
*$35.7+ million in business grants *$1.6+ million in non-profit grants *$2.6+ million for food *$5.3+ million to prevent 3,500 households from eviction
*$35.5+ million to towns and cities *10,100+ free COVID-19 tests *1.27 million+ masks, hand sanitizer,
by Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson
W
e have all had it with COVID-19, right? We hate wearing masks, keeping social distances between friends and family, possible hospitalization and ventilators, and worst of all, the loss of life within our circle of acquaintances, family members, or fellow Americans.
gloves, gowns, face shields, etc.
*20,000+ boxes of fruits and vegetables *30,500+ COVID-19 call center calls *12,000 turkeys and hams for
Thanksgiving for families in need The federal funds had “strings” attached
regarding how they could be spent, and
also had very thorough transparency and
accounting requirements. The deadline for But it occurred to me this week that ---
given to try and help Denton County
lining to this horrible pandemic.
as possible and to make it through this
believe it or not --- there actually is a silver Here in Denton County, the federal
government provided us with a $147M grant to be used for COVID-related
relief efforts. Very quickly, your County Commissioners determined that we
wanted to first address the businesses
– particularly small business – who were
being closed by the Governor’s Disaster Declaration. With a true team effort,
guidelines were established (i.e. Denton County owned/operated since at least
2019, able to actually show a revenue loss due to COVID, etc.) and an application form developed. The Commissioners
were hands-off as far as selecting which
applicants would be awarded grants, with
the decision being objectively determined within the County Auditor’s office. The
County Treasurer assisted in getting the
checks out to the businesses as quickly as
these funds to be expended is December
businesses to maintain as many local jobs
30. So, we are proud that we got into
difficult time.
most of our neighboring counties) and
Next, our attention turned to our residents, many of whom had lost their jobs and
this process quickly (more quickly than
have produced a really “best practices”
template of utilizing these federal monies.
were having difficulty with their rent/
So, while we certainly do not view it as
personal food shortages and issues.
residents have been put out of work, are
the Commissioners opted to partner with
shelter issues, this pandemic has provided
mortgage payments, complicated by
a silver lining that so many of our fellow
Rather than direct payments to individuals,
ill or are having trouble with food and
United Way to assist our county’s non-
us the opportunity to demonstrate our
profits who deal with these issues already. Our County Communications Director acted as our liaison to the United Way and kept us appraised of the grants’
progress as well as additional needs
love and care for our neighbors, and
giving hope to both ourselves and to
others, which became that silver lining! So, stay strong, stay safe and stay on guard
as they became apparent, resulting
against this invisible enemy …. an enemy
producers to aid area food banks and
be defeated!
in partnering with local fresh food
which I firmly believe soon will
providing funding for needed additional
Commissioner Dianne Edmondson may
refrigeration equipment.
be reached at her Southwest County
possible. The grants ranged from $2500
In total, your County Commissioners
Courthouse office at 6200 Canyon Falls
$50,000 in the second phase depending
residents with food, shelter, and other
3960. To receive her periodic e-newsletter,
payroll. In total, $35,762,640.55 has been
funds were spent:
dentoncounty.com
to $25,000 in the first phase and up to
granted $9.5 million to help our fellow
Drive in Argyle or by phone at 972/434-
upon the size of the business and its
needs. Here is a breakdown of how those
please request it at Dianne.Edmondson@
14 | 35 WEST | DECEMBER 2020
www.35WestMagazine.com
