A public hearing to discuss use of American Rescue Plan Act funds will be held after around 15 people attended the Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday to request the dollars be spent on direct aid to essential workers and those who were excluded from federal pandemic relief efforts.

The group Escucha Mi Voz Washington wished to speak as a work session regarding ARPA funds was scheduled to follow the supervisors’ regular meeting. The board explained to them that they could not speak during the public comment period as ARPA was not listed on the regular meeting agenda, for which comments are limited to those items, and they could not speak during the work session as that is just for the supervisors and county department heads. Board Chair Richard Young agreed to hold a public hearing so the group could speak, which due to publishing laws is anticipated to be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, February 22nd. The supervisors’ agenda states that public comments are limited to three minutes per individual, and when asked whether participants could be given more time due to having a Spanish translator, Young told KCII that would likely have to be a motion approved by the board.

The supervisors have yet to decide where to spend the approximate $4.3 million they have received from the federal COVID stimulus bill. Eligible uses of these funds include premium pay for essential workers, and Escucha Mi Voz Washington is asking the county to distribute $1,400 checks to 3,000 essential and excluded workers in the county who make less than $45,000 a year. Based on U.S. Census data, these 3,000 residents include an estimated 250 excluded workers who received no stimulus checks during the pandemic.