During a recent broadcast of Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Sheridan City Council members Kristen Jennings and Steve Brantz spoke on the long process of obligating the $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds that have been allocated to the city.
Fund expenditures must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024; and spent by Dec. 31, 2026. Brantz told listeners that so many restrictions were placed on the funds by the federal government in the beginning, they had trouble finding projects in the city that qualified.
Councilman S. Brantz
According to the City, the federal government changed the rules – effective April 1, 2022 – actually broadening the scope to which the city can utilize the funds.
There are still limitations on the spending, such as, the City cannot use it to offset net tax revenue (tax cuts). It cannot go to pension funds, debt services and cannot be used to fulfill satisfaction of settlements and/or judgements.
The council formed a special committee to explore the project proposals that could possibly be funded by the ARPA funds. Council members Shawn Day, Aaron Lindon and Mayor Rich Bridger as well as many city staff and departments were included in the discussions. Many ideas were brought to the table.
Councilwoman Kristen Jennings.
Councilwoman K. Jennings
Obligation of the funds is still far off as discussions continue to revolve around one time expenditures that would meet the remaining restrictions placed on the funds.
Projects proposed and discussed so far include renovation or demolition of the Cook Ford building, ambulance purchase for Sheridan Fire Department, Mobile Emergency Command Unit purchase for Sheridan Police and Fire Department use, Recycling Center bathroom and locker room construction and the possibility of the City’s involvement in a housing land trust project.
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Last modified: March 10, 2022