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County Grants ARP Funding to HCWC

The Hays County Commissioners Court today approved a $644,000 grant for the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC). The money will come from the Hays County allocation of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

Grant funds may be used for any of HCWC’s normal operating working capital uses to mitigate and recover from the extraordinary expenses and revenue loss resulting from the shutdowns and other direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19. Working capital is the amount of capital, which is used in day-to-day operations, including but not limited to items such as payroll, rent, inventory, utilities and interest on loans.

The item was brought forward by Commissioners Mark Jones, Pct. 2, and Walt Smith, Pct. 4. The item was discussed by Commissioners Court at last week’s (Aug. 2) regular meeting. The unanimous vote to approve the grant took place at the court’s regular meeting on August 9.

“After working with the HCWC for almost two years to find a way to address the needs for their new facility, it was obvious that we had to do something,” Commissioner Smith said. “I can’t tell you how excited I am that we are able to provide this financial relief because the assistance the HCWC provides the most vulnerable in our community can’t be measured.”

The commissioners said they believe the ARP funds are being used for something worthwhile and important in Hays County. They also acknowledged the need to accurately track how the funds were used, as the use of grant money for prohibited expenses or investments may result in an action to recover monies not spent according to the rules and laws governing such funds.

“We appreciate all the members of the court for making this funding plan a reality,” Commissioner Jones said. “This grant allows the staff at the center to provide the much-needed services to the community, many of which were hindered during the pandemic.”

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Hays County