Olivia P. Tucker
Times Reporter
Scott County Council took no action and tabled a decision to spend American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to enter into an interlocal agreement with Jefferson County for chip seal equipment at their regular meeting on September 10.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 granted $1.9 trillion for the country’s recovery from the economic and health effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last month, the Scott County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved spending ARPA funding and agreed to an interlocal agreement with neighboring Jefferson County. The agreement is that both counties would purchase pieces of equipment to be able to chip seal each of the respective counties roads to prolong the roads functional life.
During the public hearing Council President JR Ward said that the council had questions pertaining to the interlocal agreement and how it would work between the two counties. He acknowledged the short amount of time that the county has to commit the funds to be used with the county council meeting only once a month.
Currently. Scott County has $1,188,623.35 of ARPA funding that must be allocated by Dec. 31 this year then they have until Dec. 31, 2026, to spend the funds, according to Scott County Auditor Jennifer Hamelman.
Ward acknowledged that he hoped that the funds that are left to allocate are to be spent on the county and not be sent back to the federal government. He said that there had been an attempt for the commissioners and council to have a joint meeting but one has not been scheduled yet.
Council member Lyndi Hughbanks said she was unsure of the longevity of funding the equipment and the insurance that is required to be on the equipment. She said she hoped that the commissioners did their research and already have the answers to the questions that she has.
The Council had voted 5-0 to table the decision of the interlocal agreement with John Miller and Diane Mullins were not present during the vote.