City and county officials are awaiting more guidance on the latest round of COVID-19 relief funds from the federal government.

While many citizens have already seen the third stimulus check for $1,400 deposited into their bank accounts, the funds to assist local government are not as forthcoming.

According to a spread sheet from the House Oversight Committee of the U.S. Congress, more than $11 million has been targeted to Wood County through the county and cities.

The bulk would go to the county, $8.83 million.

At issue is whether those funds will go directly to the entities or whether they must apply for them under certain guidelines.

During the last round, those officials expressed concern that, while larger cities got direct access to the money, smaller cities and counties had to go through a more time-consuming process that included restrictions.

According to the report, “Funds can be used to replace revenue lost during the COVID19 crisis, for local economic relief and recovery purposes, including assistance to households, essential workers, small businesses and non-profits, assistance to hard-hit industries like tourism, travel and hospitality, and infrastructure investment.”

Mineola stands to receive $1.04 million; Winnsboro $720,000; Quitman $400,000; Hawkins $290,000; Alba $120,000 and Yantis $90,000.

According to Mineola City Secretary Cindy Karch, “We have not received any guidance yet on how the funds will be distributed, if they’ll go through (Texas Dept. of Emergency Management) like the last ones or if they’ll be distributed directly to us. If they go through TDEM, then they will likely have additional restrictions on them.”

She said the city hopes to use a large portion for economic relief and support.

County Judge Lucy Hebron said the county is awaiting clarification from the U.S. Treasury and professional associations to see whether these funds will be restricted and hopes that there will be few such impediments.

She said she has heard through the rumor mill that the state will not be involved with the allocation this time, which should significantly simplify things.