Commissioners approve FY24 line-item transfers as staff warn of delayed CDC reimbursement

Harrison County commissioners approved FY24 line-item transfers and payment requests that include a $1,078,028.40 Motorola payment for a county communications upgrade, while county staff warned the county is still owed a substantial reimbursement tied to a federal grant.

County staff (S2) told the court the transfers include requests to move $21,346.12 and to authorize payments totaling $1,769,080.70, including the Motorola amount. Staff reported the county has not yet received $958,920.64 that remains due from the Department of Health and Human Services after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declined approval of about $24,000,000 in related grant funds; the state pass-through (Department of Health and Human Services) is pursuing funding but the timing is uncertain.

"We have $958,920.64 that is still due from them," staff said; the presenter added that the county will continue weekly outreach to the state pass-through to resolve the reimbursement. Commissioners noted the county had expected the grant to cover purchases and that the CDC's decision has produced a shortfall the county cannot absorb indefinitely.

Separately, staff updated the court on the radio system rollout: a staff member (S4) said the county’s choice of Motorola equipment positions the county to meet two upcoming standards and that tower work at the two planned sites may be delayed by TxDOT scheduling into the summer.

Why it matters: the reimbursement shortfall could affect the county’s fund balance until federal or state funding is secured and may influence timing for full implementation of the new radio system. County staff said they will keep the commissioners informed and continue follow-up with state officials.