It’s no secret that the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel is the distribution of a various vaccines that are become more widely available.

And while county officials don’t really have a say in the distribution process, there are efforts in place to enhance distribution once it is more broadly available.

“We have been advocating for local pharmacies, encouraging them to apply for the licensing that is required to have the COVID vaccine,” Warren County Commissioner Tricia Durbin said during Monday’s work session.

“The commissioners aren’t in a position to invent vaccine,” Commissioner Jeff Eggleston said. “(The) vaccine comes into the county as fast as it’s produced. Everybody’s at the whim of the state and federal government.”

He reiterated the commissioners are “doing everything they can to coordinate and work with different organizations.”

Durbin noted that Gaughn’s and Tops are pharmacies that have worked through the licensing to be able to administer the vaccine.

“So the more outlets that you have that are licensed,” she said, “the more resources you have to actually administer it.”

“The truth is there’s very limited supply and until that supply is expanded the access is going to be limited,” Eggleston added.

“Given the fact that we’re such a rural community, and doses come in such large packs, we have an opportunity perhaps to be a little ahead of the game and vaccinating our community as a result of that,” Durbin said.

The commissioners also briefly discussed an initiative undertaken by Youngsville Television Corporation aimed at expanding broadband in the area.

Durbin said the firm may need a $500,000 intent for a letter of credit.

“(It’s) something we probably need to think about,” she said, noting she’ll be reaching out to banks this week as part of that effort.

Eggleston said he’d also be working with YTV on the pitch for the project “in order to kind of go and pitch and get the financing necessary which may or may not involve some type of assistance from us.

“They’re going to need a really solid pitch.”