Council reshapes ARPA programs: roofs added to home-repair program, business-grant rules loosened

The New Iberia City Council on Aug. 6 amended several American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) programs, loosening eligibility rules for business grants, extending application deadlines and authorizing roof repairs under the city’s one-block-at-a-time home-repair program.

Council members discussed low take-up on the business development grant and agreed to relax some documentation requirements—particularly those that had disqualified applicants for technical or historical corporate-record issues—and to allow applicants to obtain occupational licenses after applying so they are not automatically excluded. The council set a new application deadline of Aug. 23 to allow staff time to publicize the revised rules.

On housing, the council voted to permit roof repairs under “One Block at a Time,” increasing the program’s practical utility for homeowners with failing roofs. Staff said roofs will be procured as bundled packages under standard procurement rules; roofing contractors will need licenses, insurance and bonds, and city legal and insurance staff are drafting indemnity language so the city is not on the warranty hook after work is complete. The council also adopted a three‑year recapture covenant for ARPA-funded home repairs: if a homeowner sells within the first year the full grant amount becomes due, partial repayment is required for years two and three on a sliding scale, and no repayment is required after three years.

Other ARPA actions included the creation of a civic litter-education program that will pay or supply civic organizations to “adopt” public areas for two-year commitments, and an anti-violence package that partners with the Boys & Girls Club to deliver youth programming. Council members asked staff to prepare registration and contract templates for the litter program and to solidify budgets and measurable outcomes for the Boys & Girls Club partnership.

Staff said the city still has ARPA dollars available in several categories, including demolition and drainage, and warned that ARPA spending deadlines require the city to commit funds quickly. Councilmembers directed staff to finalize grant paperwork, procurement documentation, contractor qualifications and reporting templates before funds are disbursed.

The council also discussed outreach: staff will publish revised rules and run a short outreach campaign, including a video and in-person assistance, to increase applications. Council members emphasized they want the programs to reach small and micro-businesses and homeowners who lack the time or familiarity to navigate government paperwork.

Councilman Marlon Lewis and others pressed for quick implementation, especially for roof work in flood-prone neighborhoods where tarps and water intrusion remain common problems. City staff said an architect will prepare specifications and that work will be bid as packages to attract qualified roofing contractors.