Finney County commissioners on Jan. 13 approved authorizing up to $75,000 from remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to cover change orders on an ongoing sewer modernization project and approved carrying over previously authorized ARPA funds to support North Pump Station operations in 2025.

County staff described three change orders, primarily in the South Wind area, with a combined cost of $72,267.99 and recommended authorizing up to $75,000 from ARPA funds to cover them. "That was money that came from the federal government various sewer districts here, that the county operates. So, that the, there's no local tax dollars, identified specifically for this," the administrator said when describing ARPA funds.

Commissioners noted that the sewer modernization is a roughly $4,000,000 project and that change orders are common as unanticipated items arise. The motion authorized a $75,000 transfer from ARPA funds to the project; staff noted a remaining ARPA balance of roughly $116,000 before the transfer, leaving a small residual fund balance afterward.

Separately, the board approved carrying forward previously authorized ARPA funds designated for North Pump Station operations (with operating costs for 2024 just under $23,000 and anticipated final 2024 expenses of about $2,000–$5,000), leaving an estimated $20,000–$25,000 unspent from the original allocation. Commissioners approved continuing to use those ARPA funds for 2025 operations until a fee schedule and formal district creation provide a stable operating revenue source.

Both motions passed on voice votes.