One Carbon County commissioner aired his frustration on possibly holding COVID-19 relief block grant money for 10 fire companies because of changing guidance on a state fire grant, but after further review, the county will now release their funds without waiting for the state.

On Thursday, Commissioner Rocky Ahner said he has been reviewing the applications and the new guidance on the grants regarding fire companies. He was questioning if the county really needs to hold the funds until the state fire grants come out.

His reasoning was due to requirements for the state grant and reviewing the departments’ applications because he doesn’t feel the fire companies are double dipping in both grants. In the county grant, fire companies were able to apply for revenue lost, while in the state grant the new guidance says they cannot include revenue lost.

Ahner pointed out that if the county would hold the funds until the state fire grant comes out, a combined $97,991.21 to fire companies could be lost.

“I think that would be bad of us as commissioners,” Ahner said. “We want to give them this. Are we actually holding the money back and we shouldn’t be? I think this is something we have to look into.”

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein agreed with Ahner’s thoughts, saying he also believes it isn’t double dipping.

Following the meeting, the commissioners further reviewed the applications and on Friday morning, Ahner said the 10 fire companies’ contracts will be updated and sent reflecting the additional money approved in this round.