THOMASVILLE — Thomas County commissioners have found who they want to administer COVID-19 relief fund grants for households.

Commissioners approved entering into negotiations with Sharon Edwards of the Community Outreach Training Center

County commissioners solicited proposals for agents to administer the American Rescue Plan Act grant program for households in June. Edwards’ COTC was the lone agency to submit a proposal. 

County Manager Mike Stephenson recommended the county start working with Edwards to negotiate a contract.

“We’re not a point in the process where we can recommend dollar amounts,” Stephenson said.

Edwards worked on a similar capacity with the City of Thomasville.

“We got a very good recommendation from the city on the work she did,” Stephenson said.

The county received the second of its two installments of ARPA funds last month. In all, the two installments total $8.6 million. The county has used ARPA funding for premium pay for county employees and to expand broadband service in unincorporated parts of the county.

Under ARPA, payments for expenses to households are authorized in four areas — food; rent, mortgages and utilities; job training; and transportation. 

“We look forward to working with you,” Chairman Mark NeSmith told Edwards. 

THOMASVILLE —Thomas County commissioners have issued a request for proposals to select an agent to administer  the American Rescue Plan Act grant program for households, including individuals and families.

On June 9, Thomas County received its second installment of ARPA funds. Its first installment was received in June 2021. Together, the two installments are $8.6 million in funding.

Under ARPA, payments for expenses to households are authorized in four areas — food; rent, mortgages and utilities; job training; and transportation. 

The minimum requirements for an administrative agent are summarized as follows: 

• A legally formed not-for-profit (non-profit) entity in good standing with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. 

• An entity providing services directly benefitting residents of unincorporated Thomas County. 

• Responding entities shall submit financial statements compliant with generally-accepted accounting principles. 

• Responding entities shall provide proof of its federal tax exempt status pursuant to I.R.C sec.501(c)(3) from the Internal Revenue Service. 

• Other requirements as outlined in the formal request for proposal listed on the Thomas County of Board of  Commissioners’ website or at the Thomas County Commissioners’ Office, 116 West Jefferson St. (229.225.4100). 

Proposals shall be submitted by email to celeste.tyler@thomascountyga.gov by Thursday, June 30. For more information, contact County Clerk Celeste Tyler at (229) 225-4100.