Council denies transfer of ARPA interest for website update after heated debate over priorities

The Evansville Common Council on Feb. 24 rejected an amended ordinance (F2025-01) that would have moved ARPA interest earnings to the general fund to pay for a redesign of the city’s website and related digital services.

Council members voted 4 to 5, with Councilmen Ben Trotman, Zach Hieronymus, Mary Allen and Paul Green voting yes and Councilwomen Missy Mosby, Tanisha Carruthers, Kayla Lindsay, Jim Brinkmeyer and Courtney Johnson voting no. The ordinance was declared denied.

Council members and residents debated whether earnings on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds should be used for a website overhaul or redirected to direct relief and infrastructure repairs. Councilwoman Missy Mosby objected that many constituents are struggling with utility bills and battered roads and argued the city should prioritize weatherization, food assistance and street repairs over a website update. “I really oppose spending these funds on this,” Mosby said during the meeting.

Robert Gunter of the controller’s office told the council the ARPA program delivered roughly $64.5 million to the city in 2021 and that ARPA money held in a dedicated account has earned interest since then. He said the city has earned “a little over…