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Commission debates uses for remaining ARPA funds; drainage projects emerge as priority
Summary
City finance staff reported $696,703 in remaining ARPA funds; commissioners favored directing funds toward drainage and other infrastructure projects, with staff asked to return in June with a prioritized list and project readiness details.
The City Commission on May 5 discussed how to spend the roughly $696,703 remaining in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with commissioners broadly favoring drainage and infrastructure projects while asking staff to return in June with a prioritized, shovel‑ready list.
Finance official Patty told the commission the ARPA balance was approximately $696,703 and reminded commissioners that ARPA funds must be spent by December 2026. “We have to use the funds,” Patty said, and urged the commission to identify projects that can be completed within the ARPA deadline. She summarized earlier allocations and noted several drainage projects and parking or park improvements were under consideration.
Public‑works and engineering staff described several projects that are or could be shovel ready: drainage work at Eighth and Ninth streets; phase 2 of Atlantic Oaks/Magnolia Dunes drainage work; and the Eleventh Street parking lot paving and striping that was already planned as part of the citywide pavement management program. Staff said combining certain projects can reduce mobilization costs and that some state appropriations could be reallocated to finish drainage work.
Commissioners and staff discussed tradeoffs: drainage and stormwater work would protect homes and provide long-term risk reduction, while park or amenity improvements (playground, signage, plazas) could be more visible to residents and visitors. Several commissioners said they would prefer to preserve some funds for capital equipment that helps long‑term operations and can reduce future budget pressure (for example, vehicles or maintenance equipment), while others recommended a mix of infrastructure and community enhancements.
The commission asked staff to provide a prioritized and itemized proposal at the June meeting that lists projects that can be completed before the ARPA deadline, identifies any grant or state‑appropriation options to extend schedules, and shows exact cost estimates.
Ending
Staff will return in June with a prioritized ARPA spending plan that emphasizes drainage projects but also seeks a balanced approach so the remaining funds are used before the December 2026 deadline.
