Schuylkill County has released the CARES money to eligible municipalities, nonprofits and small businesses.

Of the $12,765,970 from the act, the aforementioned received $1,098,112, and Finance Director Paul Buber said the remaining money went to the county to be “reimbursed for lost revenue, reimbursed for eligible expenses, and an investment in capital projects for the future of the county to benefit everyone.”

County Administrator Gary Bender said “the checks were on his desk,” at the commissioner meeting last Wednesday. Bender did not release information of entities that applied but didn’t get funded. He said that wasn’t in a list form but could be provided if asked. He said those who didn’t receive funding received a letter.

“It was time consuming. Everybody is frustrated with the length of time,” Bender said.

Commissioners, Buber and Mark Morgan, director of Susquehanna Accounting & Consulting Solutions Inc., said those who applied and met criteria were funded.

In all, 22 municipalities, 24 nonprofits and 30 small businesses were awarded funding. Maximum amount for municipalities was $35,000, $30,000 for nonprofits and small businesses. Money must be spent by Dec. 31.

Residents, business leaders and Bob Carl, executive director and chief executive officer of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, have expressed frustrations with the process and amount of money the county kept for its use.

Carl said at a press conference last month “we believe the unmet need is much greater than is being recognized or previously anticipated. The chamber feels the communications related to these processes have been very sparse and there has been a lack of transparency from the commissioners and administration.”

The application for funding was distributed to the chamber and other organizations in August. It was also shared on social media.

Commissioner Gary Hess is among those frustrated with the process.

“It should have been out sooner,” he said of the money, although he agreed it was a cumbersome undertaking.

Hess also took issue with the money allocated to the 911 center out of the CARES money.

Commissioners George Halcovage Jr. and Barron “Boots” Hetherington defended the county’s role in the process.

“I believe the county has done an excellent job reviewing it,” Halcovage said.

He said spending on the 911 center benefits everyone, describing it as “a core priority for public safety.”

Hetherington said the county is responsible if the requirements for funding are not met.