Use Of ARPA Funds Topic At January Board Of Public Works Meeting Jan. 7

The use of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds was a topic of discussion when the Holden Board of Public Works met Tuesday, Jan. 7.

ARPA Funds
In a new business item on the agenda, Holden Water Superintendent Tony Lerda told the board he had sent the City of Holden a letter concerning the 50/50 match that the city and Johnson County had agreed upon for the ARPA funds. These funds were part of the COVID-19 Stimulus Package signed into law in March 2021. The funds were intended to address the economic and health aspects of the COVID pandemic.

He went on to say the BPW had received a check from the city for $15,500 and believed it was the city’s 50 percent. Later, however, it was determined the money received actually was the county’s 50 percent. It came from funds the county had forwarded to Holden, which, in turn, was paid to the BPW.

After requesting the city’s reimbursement, a check and a letter arrived, stating the city had decided not to pay its half of the agreement and would only pay $775.00.

At that point City Councilman Allen Mensch, who serves as a liaison to the board, said he wanted to correct Lerda, stating that “They” (the council) did not make the decision. Rather, Holden Mayor Ray Briscoe singularly…

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