County auditor says CDC will reimburse $958,920.64 for COVID-related expenses

Becky Haines, the county auditor, told the Harrison County Commissioners Court that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has approved a $958,920.64 reimbursement to the county for public-health expenses already incurred. “So we will be receiving $958,920.64,” Haines said, and added that most of the award will post to fund 4.90 while a portion currently sits in the general fund pending reimbursement.

Haines said the county will coordinate with outside auditors to determine the proper accounting and reimbursement flow. She told the court the grant covers reimbursements for Southern Health Partners costs, jail and juvenile facility Aeroclean systems, certain personnel expenses and supplies tied to separation protocols, and other eligible equipment and purchases.

The court’s approval of regular bills that followed included ARPA-funded items; Haines told commissioners $494,965.31 of a regular payment would cover a second installment for eText internet services and would be paid from ARPA. Commissioners approved payment of the regular bills by voice vote, 5–0.

Why it matters: The reimbursement will restore funds the county has already expended on pandemic-response measures and related equipment, freeing general-fund dollars for other uses. County staff said they are waiting on the formal arrival of the funds and will follow standard audit procedures before moving balances between funds.

What’s next: Auditor Haines said the CDC was processing invoices and the county will receive the funds once federal processing and reimbursement are complete.