Forest County commissioners gave an update on rental assistance funds available to county residents during the panel’s meeting Wednesday.
The county has received a second round of federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program money in two installments totaling about $378,000.
The money is administered through the Warren Forest Equal Opportunity Council and must be spent by 2026, chief clerk Lynette Greathouse said.
In March 2021, Forest County received the first round of rental assistance funds totaling $476,637.
When the deadline for spending the funds passed in December 2021, the county had to return $398,986.72 to the Department of Human Services.
The services offered include computer skills, job search skills, drivers permit preparation, GED classes, soft skills, parenting skills, and English as a second language, among other classes.
Free on-site child care is provided.
In another matter, Kellettville residents Ken Butler and Steve Cogis dropped by the meeting with questions about broadband access to their area.
Commissioners chairman Mark Kingston said the county is in the process of putting up a 190-foot tower in Yellow Hammer and another one on Greenwood Road.
Commissioner Bob Snyder said the county is also coordinating with Forest Area School District for the placement of additional poles. Snyder said the school district may get a broadband grant.