LaSalle County Board member Doulgas Trager says the county “didn’t give a dime.” Trager urged other board members in October to start figuring out what to do with nearly $11 million in COVID relief funds and help people right away. He asked again today, noting that the holidays have since passed and the board missed the season of generous charity. Also, the county should soon get another $10.5 million in the federal program.
One idea is a temporary pay boost for county employees.
Trager suggested arranging bonuses for employees of companies that stayed open during the pandemic and provided services the county needs.
Trager urged other members today to starting coming up with ideas and act on them. Anything less, he says, is unresponsive and irresponsible government.
Some other board members say they’re wary of spending too hastily in case they find out later that the expenses weren’t eligible for the program. The county would have to pay it back. Member Jill Bernal asked for the board to have a meeting on it soon.
Click here to read about Trager speaking to the board about this issue in October last year.