Accomack supervisors approve $65,000 emergency loan to bridge Head Start funding delay

Accomack County supervisors voted unanimously on Nov. 18 to provide $65,000 in emergency, short-term funding to the Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging / Community Action Agency to cover Head Start payroll while the program awaits delayed federal grant funds.

Miss Smith, the agency CEO, told the board that the program serves 218 families and employs 64 local staff and that the agency faces roughly $180,000 in payroll obligations for December. "We are presently serving 218 families here on the shore," she said, describing the service disruption risk if funds do not arrive.

Supervisors discussed structuring the county's assistance as a loan contingent on Northampton County making an equivalent contribution. Supervisor (speaker 2) moved that Accomack provide $65,000 to cover payroll through Dec. 15, with the expectation that the county would be reimbursed if the federal grant permits repayment; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

County officials and supervisors emphasized the need for written confirmation from federal grantors about whether grant funds may be used to reimburse a local loan. Miss Smith said agency staff had been told the grant might permit repayment without interest; supervisors urged documentation before any final accounting is completed.

The board's action instructs county staff to prepare the loan arrangement and conditions; the funds are intended to be a bridge only and are explicitly contingent on Northampton County providing matching support and on returning unused funds if the federal award pays sooner than expected. The measure was framed by supervisors as an emergency step to avoid service interruption and furloughs for Head Start staff.

The board also discussed the broader fiscal implications for local grant-funded nonprofits and asked staff to work on the paperwork and repayment terms.