Committee allows United Way to allocate up to $250,000 from ARPA-funded social service grants this round

The Walworth County Finance Committee voted to allow United Way of Walworth County to allocate up to $250,000 in the current round of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) social service grants, rather than the previously planned $200,000 for 2025 and $200,000 for 2026 split.

Committee members said the United Way’s recent application round drew a larger-than-expected pool of applicants, including new veterans-focused applicants under newly added criteria. County staff said the full $400,000 is available in 2025 but that the budget previously envisioned splitting awards across 2025 and 2026; the committee voted to give United Way discretion to award up to $250,000 now so long as overall ARPA deadline requirements are observed.

Why it matters: The change aims to ensure ARPA funds for social-service grants are used before grant deadlines and to respond to higher demand in the current application round.

Committee discussion emphasized that the finance committee originally recommended the ARPA allocation strategy and that staff did not want to advance funds without committee discussion. A supervisor said allowing more funds now can help ensure the money is expended before the grant deadline; another noted that United Way understands this is a one-time ARPA funding approach, not an ongoing budget expectation.

Motion details: The committee approved allowing United Way to allocate up to $250,000 this round.

What happens next: United Way will proceed with grant awards within the revised ceiling; staff will monitor spending to ensure compliance with ARPA timelines.

Ending: Supervisors approved the change after brief discussion; staff and United Way will proceed under the revised allocation authority.