In Buncombe County, an intriguing situation is unfolding – unspent COVID relief funds totaling over $400,000 have been left untouched. This issue is significant for conservatives and even non-conservative taxpayers alike, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and prudent financial management. Furthermore, the absence of an agenda item for a required public hearing and a vote to close the program at the January 16 regular meeting has ignited concerns. Is there a rush to find some way to extend the deadline (June 2023) and discover some way to spend this money without clear and prudent planning?
The Unspent Funds Challenge
In August 2021, Buncombe County received $900,000 in funds through HUD’s CDBG Coronavirus Program, a part of the CARES Act. A portion of these funds was used to assist those impacted by the pandemic with mortgage and utility aid. However, today, an unencumbered balance of $404,212 remained at the program’s conclusion in June 2023. Stoney Blevins (the county’s Health & Human Services director), his staff, and County Manager Avril Pinder have recommended closing the CDBG Coronavirus grant program. Commissioner Terri Wells asked during the January 2 regular meeting, “Is there any way that they would allow us to continue with it since there was that delay in them getting the funds to us?”
Blevins responded, “We actually explored that with them, and they were somewhat open to that. The challenge that we’ll see at this point is the grant is so COVID-specific that we would have to tie assistance back to being caused by the pandemic. And at this point, we’re so far removed from the public health emergency’s end that we believe it will be almost impossible to find that tie back at this point in time.”
Wells lamented, “It’s just such a shame when there’s that money that feels like we could have put to good use somehow to help the community.”
No commissioner made motions to schedule a public hearing and a vote on the recommended program closure. Why not?
The Conservative Perspective on Fiscal Responsibility
As conservatives, we hold a deep-seated belief in responsible fiscal management, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent judiciously. When unspent funds come to the forefront, it’s imperative to consider the ramifications of hasty spending decisions.
A Desperation for Spending?
The absence of an agenda item for a public hearing and vote on the program closure at the January 16 meeting raises questions. Is there an urgency to expend these funds without a comprehensive plan? Are our elected representatives hastily searching for ways to use these funds, potentially overlooking the best interests of taxpayers? Didn’t they understand that the grant period ended over six months ago?
A Cautionary Note for Taxpayers
Vigilance is key for conservatives regarding government spending. Unspent funds should not be seen as an opportunity for unchecked spending.
Transparency and Accountability
Conservatives ardently champion transparency and accountability in governmental actions. Taxpayers must have a crystal-clear understanding of how their money is utilized, with decisions made in their best interests.
In the Grand Scheme of Things…
The dialogue in Buncombe County underscores that fiscal responsibility is a collective endeavor. It commences at the local level but resonates nationally. Managing taxpayer dollars judiciously and ensuring efficient use of unspent funds are principles dear to conservatives and fiscal conservatives across the nation.
But What Can I Do About It?
Amid these uncertain times, prudent management of taxpayer dollars must remain paramount. While returning unspent funds to the U.S. Treasury may not resolve the nation’s deficit challenges, it underscores the essence of fiscal responsibility. Each small step contributes to a more fiscally sound future. Let’s be vigilant, ensuring that taxpayer dollars at all governmental levels are employed wisely and transparently to the unequivocal benefit of our entire community. Safeguarding fiscal responsibility and the best interests of the people remains our duty. Don’t sit idly by and allow politicians to find some way to spend these funds. Contact your county commission representative (and candidates for those positions) and let them know that you support closing down the program and are eager to say so at a public hearing so that this matter can be closed. Your voice matters, and it’s time to make it heard.
