By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – It’s been one week since Hill County Health Officer/Director Kim Berg made public that her Department has yet to receive the up to $100,000 in ARPA funds the County Commission promised, but things remain at a standstill.
Berg told New Media Broadcasters on Thursday that she has yet to hear back from the Commissioners about scheduling a meeting to address the matter, adding that she could easily procure finance reports the Commission requests in short order.
“It doesn’t take me long to get the funds. I mean, I have monthly reports that show what was spent out of which budget.”
When asked Thursday, Commission Chair Diane McLean said they have yet to request finance reports and have not scheduled a meeting with Berg.
Strissel added that they are “looking to schedule that with (the Health Department).”
Berg has stressed the importance of receiving these funds as soon as possible, as the Health Department continues to experience staffing shortages.
The Commission has contended that the funds may no longer be needed because the Health Department received a grant amendment for contact tracing. However, Berg says those funds cannot be utilized.
