FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COVID-19 AND YOU: As the fight against the virus rages on, the Auditor’s Office is here to help
CHARDON, OHIO – August 10th, 2020 – Press Release – The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the world forever and marked a time of uncertainty. That’s why our goal is to serve our constituents to the best of our ability through these trying times. One way we can do that is offering guidance on financial aid provided through The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
The CARES Act was three pieces of emergency legislation put together, voted for, and authorized on March 27th, 2020. The purpose of this federal grant money is to provide trillions of dollars in economic relief. This Act also includes $277 billion in relief money to state, local, and tribal governments. In Ohio this was channeled through House Bill 481, passed on June 19th, 2020. The money trickles down into each county and its townships and municipalities. In Geauga County we received $2,022,475.68 in relief money. “It is still considered and will be audited as a federal grant, so we must be assured that we are following proper grant rules and that we don’t deviate from that when spending the money,” stated Geauga County Auditor, Charles Walder, while addressing local officials about using CARES Act funds.
To help navigate through it, the Geauga County Auditor’s Office, in conjunction with the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office, has provided a presentation video, documents, and informative links about COVID-19 relief through the CARES Act on the Geauga County web page www.co.geauga.oh.us/COVID-Funds. “I haven’t seen any other counties really laying this out to try to help the different townships and different county departments and offices in navigating what is a pretty difficult and complex grant situation,” said James Flaiz, Geauga County Prosecutor. We encourage all local officials and interested parties to examine these helpful items to assist them in using COVID-19 relief. “Through teamwork and responsible fiscal management, together we are moving forward to protect our communities.” – Charles E. Walder, Geauga County Auditor.
