Otter Tail County and Perham's plans on the use of CARES Act funds. Written By: RosaLin Alcoser | × Otter Tail County Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard. (Submitted photo) Otter Tail County and Perham have both budgeted how they will be using their federal funding to help offset the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. In June, Gov. Tim Walz announced the plan to distribute $841 million to Minnesota counties, cities and towns to support local governments in COVID-19 relief efforts. The funding was authorized under the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. Otter Tail County, among other counties, has until Dec. 10 to use their allocated CARES Act funds. After Dec. 10 the unspent funds will be returned to the state.