Orange County NC Website
24 <br /> Gary Donaldson did so. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said some people turned down awards, and asked if these funds <br /> would be distributed amongst other recipients, or be used at another time. <br /> Gary Donaldson said the recommendation is to roll those funds into a phase two. He <br /> said these awards were distributed with care given to equity, and he expects there are many <br /> more businesses that will need future help. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said the list shows some business that received less than the full <br /> amount, or possibly nothing. <br /> Gary Donaldson said there were some businesses that did not want a loan, and those <br /> that are listed at zero did not want a loan. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin asked if some received less, it was because they wanted less. <br /> Gary Donaldson said yes. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said it seems like people could have received more if there is <br /> excess funding, and the goal is to get the money out as quickly as possible. <br /> Gary Donaldson said many disbursements were made electronically. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley referred to the CARES ACT money, and said the County submitted <br /> its application last week and will receive the CARES ACT money before the plan is submitted. <br /> She said this money is moving, and will not take months. She said the $36,000 can be rolled <br /> up in it, and hopefully reach more people than this time. She said the CARES ACT money <br /> must be given out as grants, not loans. <br /> Chair Rich clarified that the recommendation is for the BOCC to receive the report this <br /> evening, and asked if staff is recommending using some of the CARES ACT money for the next <br /> round. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said no, and in the plan there will be monies for small business <br /> grants. She said the plan is forthcoming, likely next week. <br /> Commissioner Price said there were only 27 applicants that made it through the <br /> approval process, as opposed to there not be enough funds to give to more applicants. <br /> Gary Donaldson said that is correct. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said 244 people completed applications, but only 27 qualified <br /> awards, so there are 217 applicants who are not happy. She said she agreed with Gary <br /> Donaldson that the criteria should be loosened. She agreed with the Manager about assessing <br /> the needs with the Department heads, and said the best way to stimulate the economy is to get <br /> money into the hands of people to be spent; specifically poor people. She asked if there is a <br /> way to have a net worth eligibility requirement. She said she feels conflicted on parts of this <br /> topic. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said he feels the County should have given all of the monies out, <br /> as this was an emergency proposal. He said he favored reducing the criteria, and looks <br /> forward to moving quickly on the next round. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said she has clients who have received PPP funds from the <br /> federal government, and she thinks those people should be screened out, and then give priority <br /> to those who did not receive those funds. <br /> Gary Donaldson said this could be done. <br /> Commissioner Price said there are small businesses that are family owned, and do not <br /> have relationship with financial institutions, and could not have taken advantage of the PPP <br /> funds. She said she would like to reach out to these businesses specifically. <br /> 8. Consent Agenda <br /> • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda <br /> Chair Rich — Item 8e <br />