Putnam County examining options for recovery spending

HENNEPIN — Putnam County’s board and treasurer are exploring options for spending American Recovery Plan funds that may soon be coming to the county.

Treasurer Kevin Kunkel told the board that the county may be able to get reimbursement for COVID-related expenses to the tune of just over $1 million.

Kunkel says he’s still waiting to hear back when and how much the county may get, but he believes the initial payment should be about $550,000 with another $550,000 allotted in 12 months. The county would have until December of 2024 to spend the money.

The funds can be used for infrastructure repair like courthouse upgrades-security, plexiglass panels and other protective measures, as well as for highway use. Kunkel says he’ll find out more about what is reimbursable at a treasurer’s conference this month.