2022-03-22 American Rescue Plan Act
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) planning
March 23, 2022
10:33 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik
Martin, Doug Carey, JP Anderson, Josh Metcalf, Lindsey Shankle, Austin Majors, Alison Puckett
Guests: Zora DeGrandpre, Lisa Striedinger
Recorder: Rieva Lester
The commissioners provided preliminary approval to earmark the following:
• $200,000 for Public Health and Social Services to hire an FTE specific to grants management and
program funding.
• $2.7 million for water and sewer infrastructure, including $200,000 for a water bank consultant
• $4.5 million for radio infrastructure.
Commissioner Grose said he wants the county to use some of its ARPA funding to create a Sheriff’s
Office substation in the Randle area. The group discussed the Sheriff’s request for a substation in
Randle, which would include bays for two vehicles and space for office staff. Doug Carey said he would
bring the request before the Capital Facilities committee.
Josh Metcalf discussed debt the county took on in response to its takeover of the Vader water systems,
including $900,000 for infrastructure improvements. Josh noted that fees do not cover the county’
obligations. Josh said Public Works will use a consultant to address rates.
The group discussed setting up a fund for any interest earned on ARPA funds being invested. Becky
noted that the interest collected would be unencumbered.
Josh said he’d share the projects area cities have listed as their top priorities.
The group discussed using an RFP process for consultants for the various projects.
Meeting adjourned at 11:34 a.m.