Blount County budget committee forwards 19 budget resolutions, approves $15.5 million interfund loan to bridge ARPA reimbursements

The Blount County Budget Committee voted to forward 19 budget resolutions to the full county commission workshop, including an interfund loan of $15,529,489 from the debt service fund to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund to bridge timing differences while the county awaits reimbursements from the state.

The interfund loan (Resolution 25-08-001) was described by staff as a maximum liability request to cover cash outlays across several projects while reimbursements are processed. Brian, a county staff member, said some utility projects are about 70% complete and the county expects a “good chunk” of reimbursements in the next 60 to 90 days, while other projects, including at the health department, may not be reimbursed until later in the year. “But we will not wait until the end of the year to start moving this cash back,” Brian said.

Why it matters: The loan lets the county pay for capital work now and restore the debt service fund as state reimbursements arrive. Most resolutions forwarded spending or appropriating prior-year or grant funds for capital projects in county departments and Blount County Schools.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-08-001 —…