Lincoln County municipalities can be compensated for unbudgeted expenses necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the State of Wisconsin Routes to Recovery program. Funded through the federal CARES Act, the Routes to Recovery program allocated each municipality in Wisconsin funds on a per capita basis to help relieve the financial costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Wisconsin Towns Association has provided information on what expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and November 6, 2020 are eligible for reimbursement under this program:
• Election supplies and voting machines that support absentee voting and voting machines that reduce physical contact during elections
• Personal protective equipment, including face masks/shields, gowns, gloves, boot covers, coveralls and hand sanitizer/alcohol wipes
• Absentee mail drop boxes
• Computers and other equipment that support virtual meetings
• Town furnishings that can be easily cleaned and reduce contact points
• Long term building modifications to enable COVID-19 precautions, such as contactless paper towel or soap dispensers
Grant amounts to Merrill area communities are as follows:
• City of Merrill – $158,088
• Town of Merrill – $49,423
• Town of Scott – $23,460
• Town of Pine River – $30,450
If a municipality is unable to use its full allocation, they can reallocate their funds to another municipality. Additionally, recent information from the Towns Association indicates that a municipality can donate supplies or reimburse school districts for expenses necessary for the school to respond to COVID-19. Both of these options help retain the funds in Lincoln County. If a municipality fails to use or reallocate their funds, the funds will remain at the State level to be used before the end of year deadline.
For additional information please contact [email protected] or visit: https://doa.wi.gov/Secretary/RRG-ProgramGuidance.pdf