County reallocates ARPA funds to repairs at Fire Station 109 and water main along County Road 561

Lake County commissioners on Tuesday authorized two staff requests to reallocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds after hearing project updates from county grants staff.

Grants program manager Sean (Parks and Water Resources) told the board the county had met the ARPA obligation deadline and must now ensure final expenditures and compliance by the federal expenditure deadline of Dec. 31, 2026. Staff explained ARPA rules allow contract amendments for increased costs when the amendment maintains the substantive scope of the original agreement, and that any under‑budget project balance may be repurposed to other eligible projects as long as program rules are followed.

Staff said Fire Station 109 received roof repairs that came in under budget. County fire‑rescue requested authorization to amend the existing ARPA contract and use the remaining balance for additional mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural repairs at the same station. The board approved the request.

The board also approved a reallocation of funds returned by the town of Montverde. The county earlier executed a $4 million agreement with Montverde; per a revised agreement, the town returned $2.2 million in January and later terminated the agreement, leaving a balance of $1,557,308. Staff proposed using that balance to pay for a new water main along County Road 561 to serve the county landfill, the road‑operations building and a planned affordable‑housing project. Commissioners approved that reallocation.

Commissioners discussed project controls and asked staff for documentation of contract amendments and reporting obligations; staff said all amended agreements and changes will be brought back to the board as required. The motions passed unanimously.