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Council allocates $74,706.29 in remaining ARPA funds to downtown Rotary Park renovation after split votes
Summary
After extended debate over competing priorities (water-tank engineering, sidewalks, employee payments), the Preston City Council voted 3–1 to allocate $74,706.29 of remaining ARPA funds to downtown revitalization, specifically the Rotary Park renovation; one councilor favored directing some funds to water tank engineering.
The Preston City Council voted to obligate $74,706.29 of remaining ARPA funds for downtown revitalization, with the council specifying the funds will be used for renovation work at Rotary Park in the downtown area.
City staff accountant Kelly Mickelson reported the city must obligate the ARPA funds and noted the money will need to be spent by December 31, 2026, under the timelines discussed. The council discussed alternatives including using part of the funds for water tank engineering and for sidewalk improvements. Councilman Todd Thomas and others urged allocating funds toward water-tank engineering; Thomas said he believed the engineering work should be paid from enterprise or reserve funds if ARPA were redirected. Councilman Brent Dodge and supporters argued the downtown project was shovel-ready and would benefit many citizens.
After debate and two proposed motions (one to split the funds between water-tank engineering and sidewalks failed for lack of a second), Councilman Brent Dodge moved and Councilman Chris Larson seconded a motion to allocate the full $74,706.29 to the downtown revitalization project for Rotary Park. The motion passed 3–1; Councilman Todd Thomas cast the dissenting vote and other members voted “aye.”
Council members noted the downtown revitalization plan was engineered and shovel-ready. Staff said if the city receives additional grants in the future, ARPA funds used now could serve as matching funds or be accounted for during grant reimbursement processes; councilors asked staff to track reimbursements and project accounting.
The item will proceed with the downtown revitalization committee working with city staff to expend the allocated ARPA amount and follow procurement and bidding rules for construction and improvements. Council directed staff to ensure the funds are obligated and spent within ARPA program deadlines.
