A proposal for the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds was discussed but ultimately tabled by the Centralia City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday night, Dec. 13.
ARPA fund purchases pitched to the council by various agencies totalled $2,017,876. Among the proposed purchases were two newpatrol vehicles and a training simulator for the Centralia Police Department, chip seal equipment for the Streets Department, drone systems for both the Public Works and police department, water line work at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds and funding to equip a new ambulance for the Riverside Fire Authority.
The Riverside Fire Authority has the money to purchase a new ambulance outright but was asking for help purchasing equipment such as a lift and wheeled gurney, which can cost close to $25,000.
Centralia was originally allocated just under $5 million in ARPA funds and so far has used nearly half a million dollars to purchase a new sandbag filling machine and bodycams.
As of Nov. 30, Centralia still has $4,539,256 in ARPA dollars available left to use.
The council supported many of the purchase proposals but was hesitant to approve expenditures, with Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston asking about projects including the Westside connector and Reynolds Avenue sewer extension projects previously proposed in ARPA funding talks.
City employees said some of those projects had been getting alternative funding and reminded councilors the clock was ticking for ARPA funds, which require the council’s approval.
“We have to have all the funds obligated. We have to say what we’re going to spend the money on and basically have it contracted so they know we’re going to spend it by the end of next year,” said City Finance Director Bret Brodersen.
Once obligated, the city has until the end of 2025 to spend the money.
Smith Johnston proposed tabling the motion until next month, which was hesitantly accepted, though Brodersen warned that waiting to approve projects also shortened the timeline for their completion.
“I would prefer we delay these requests for a meeting while we make sure our funding mechanisms for these other large and very significant projects are buttoned up,” Smith Johnston said.
She added she wanted to ensure that ARPA funds were spent wisely as it was a one-time infusion of money. The motion to table approving these funds until next month passed unanimously.
