Olivia P Tucker
Times Reporter
Scott County Board of Commissioners discussed options for the Austin Parks Board at their regular meeting on April 3.
Austin Parks Board Member JD Buchanan asked the commissioners if there was a decision for helping out with funding on the newly built park in the Spicertown area in west Austin. Buchanan spoke with the commissioners about using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding at a previous meeting.
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.
Buchanan said the total cost would be roughly $85,000 to cover the expenses that the Austin Parks Board has for the new park.
Commissioner President Mike Jones said that the board spoke with County Attorney Zach Stewart on other options with ARPA and the funds from the opioid settlement from the unrestricted funds. He said the funding from the opioid settlement fund would be a better option to use.
Buchanan said that the park would have a shelter house with a connected bathroom, playground equipment donated by Scott County School District 1, a walking path with crushed stone, a half-court basketball court and a dog park.
Stewart said that he believes the city of Austin would have to accept the funds if both Commissioners and County Council approve the allotted funds to aid the Austin Parks Board.
Scott County Board of Commissions table the decision for the funding to the Austin Parks Board until their next meeting on April 17.