County Commissioners discuss remaining ARP funds

Monday morning the Marshall County Commissioners continued their discussion to use the remaining American Rescue Plan (ARP) Fund.  The money must be appropriated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2025. 

In early October, Commissioner Kevin Overmyer suggested taking up a portion of the remaining funds and using them to assist the six food pantries in the county.  Representatives from the Bread of Life Food Pantry and Marshall County Neighborhood Center spoke during a recent commissioner meeting about the increases they are experiencing with those needing assistance.  They also discussed the increased cost of purchasing food and a reduction of donations. 

Commissioner Overmyer and County Auditor Angie Birchmeier devised a plan using a subrecipient agreement between the county and the food banks where the county would reimburse their expenses using ARP funds. The decision was to allow each of the six pantries $12,500.

The commissioners unanimously approved the plan and asked County Attorney Jim Clevenger to create agreements.  The County Council will also have to approve the appropriation of the ARP funds. 

Funds can be used for food or equipment.  Overmyer said the Bread of Life Food Pantry needs a new commercial freezer that costs more than $3,000 and the Argos Food pantry is also wanting to purchase a freezer.

Auditor Angie Birchmeier told the commissioner there would be $172,000 remaining if the council approves the food pantries funding. 

At the October 21^st meeting of the County Commissioners, Anna Kietzman from Heartland Art Center asked for $180,000 in public matching funds for their READI 2.0 grant.  It was determined that ARP funds can’t be used for grant matches. 

Kietzman and local architect Brent Martin said the building needs a new roof and they had a quote in hand for $204,000.  While the county can’t use the funds for a grant match, they could assist with the roofing project and READI 2.0 would consider that an in-kind public donation.   

While the county doesn’t have $180,000 left in ARP funds, Commissioner Overmyer and Mike Burrough were supportive of using the remaining funds to assist with the roofing project.  Kietzman said they could find the remaining funds to complete the roofing project. 

Commissioner Stan Klotz wanted to give the County Council an option.  He suggested the remaining ARP funds be appropriated for highway materials in 2025.  Overmyer reminded Klotz that the ARP funds are the commissioners to determine a use and not the council. 

Commissioner Burroughs motioned to send a recommendation to the County Council to use the remaining ARP funds for the Heartland Art Center roofing project. His motion was unanimously approved.

Overmyer said if the council denies our recommendation there is still time to discuss how the remaining funds are spent.

Commissioner Klots said he didn’t want to send any money back to the federal government.