2022-01-19 American Rescue Plan ActAmerican Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) planning
January 19, 2022
2:00 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik Martin, Austin Majors,
Lindsey Shankle, J.P. Anderson, Becky Butler, Richard DeBolt, Todd Chaput, Meja Handlen
Guest(s): Nic Scott, Zora DeGrandpre, Kyle Heaton, Eric Rosane
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Richard DeBolt said the Economic Alliance is getting a generic pilot project ready for the Legislature. The
money that is distributed to the Economic Alliance is approved to certain projects by the Board of
County Commissioners. Josh Metcalf has been working on a culvert infrastructure plan. Richard said
culvert projects are able to change dates as needed to accommodate other projects of the same
location.
Austin Majors presented the results for Polco Survey. There were 1,095 total completed surveys. The
top three topics were most important to the public:
• Natural Environment
• Parks and Rec
• Safety
Investments and Broadband was the most important funding category according to the survey. Austin
said the Polco platform allows users to filter data easily for specific areas of analysis.
Lindsey Shankle used the Polco survey to determine how the survey was distributed to the community.
She said one-third of responses said emotional health, child care, and not knowing what services are
availability to the community were valuable to best determine next steps for public outreach.
Becky said the US Treasury has released its final rule effective April 1, 2022. The biggest change allows
for the use of $10 million toward lost revenue without needing to use the loss formula. It also allows for
broader use in cyber funds and broadband infrastructure. Becky is requesting the Board’s decision on
the type of formula being used for lost revenue. There are two options; option one is a standard
deduction and option two has a calculated deduction.
Becky said there are now recovery funds for medical leave associated with COVID-19 and radio
infrastructure. Becky would like a better understanding of requirements associated with the steps
needed to approve using ARPA funds or donated leave. Richard DeBolt said there is additional money
available in the capital budget for planning efforts related to 911 infrastructure. He also suggested using
ARPA funding as a possible match. ARPA allows for flexible spending versus what it takes to administer
capital budget grants.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to approve Option 1 using the standard deduction of $10 million
and Commissioner Pollock seconded. Passed 2-0.
Josh Metcalf said HDR Consulting has developed a prioritized list to be presented to the Board during
Wednesday Workshop on 1/26/22. The list will have strategic projects for each city. He would like to
consider the value to the community and county. Becky suggested waiting to make decisions until after
the Legislative session ends in order to determine other funding opportunities.
Lindsay Shankle said she is wrapping up meeting with stakeholders. She is recruiting parent volunteers
to attend the train the trainer. This will help having families be more engaged. She is looking to start a
youth resiliency program. J.P. Anderson said that offering education for youth behavioral health is
important to build a foundation for the next steps to recovery from any type of trauma. Commissioner
Pollock said supporting youth recovering from the trauma of COVID will be a valuable investment that
can be sustainable for the long-term.
Becky said $2.3 million of $7.8 million in ARPA funding has been allocated. Becky said all funds must be
obligated by the end of 2024. This allows the Board to move forward on projects.
Becky said Lewis County was awarded approximately $23 million for broadband infrastructure. She is
waiting for documentation for the award.
Becky has asked the Board to consider a small grants group to distribute grant funding.
Meeting adjourned at 3:03 p.m.