Griggs County Commission allocates ARPA funds for sheriff pickup, orders road blade and green-lights grant applications

The Griggs County Commission on Dec. 16 voted to allocate federal ARPA funds and approve several equipment and contract actions, including a $98,000 allocation to buy a pickup for the sheriff’s department and an order for a reversible road blade.

Commissioners approved the $98,000 ARPA allocation for the sheriff’s pickup by voice vote; those recorded included Gabriel and Ellison voting aye, Zorn aye, Hedlund/Edlund aye and the county attorney voting aye. The motion carried. The commission then approved a separate motion to order a reversible blade so road crews could use it this year; recorded votes on that motion likewise showed unanimous support among members who voiced votes.

Why it matters: County officials said the votes advance priorities for public safety, road maintenance and facility security while preserving the ability to seek outside grant funding to cover some items. The commission discussed using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to obligate projects now and then apply for grants that could reimburse or fully fund parts of those projects, which would free remaining ARPA dollars for other needs.

Most important details: Commissioners were presented with an ARPA spending summary showing roughly $166,000 remaining after previously approved purchases. The pickup vote drew a motion to allocate $98,000 of that balance; after that allocation and previously agreed items, speakers reported an available balance in the tens of thousands. Commissioners debated priorities among a list that included a $20,000 reversible blade, a camera and door-access security system, a cell-phone repeater and other equipment lines.

Discussion and grant strategy: County staff said the door-access system and camera system had been combined into a single line for the purpose of applying for grants, but that the items could remain separate if the commission preferred. A staff member identified as Kelly said she would apply for a facilities grant (discussed as a “Grama”/DES facility grant and homeland-security grant options) and expected to know results by late January or early February. Commissioners emphasized that applying for grants does not obligate acceptance of award funds; if the county is offered money and later declines it, staff would notify the grantor in writing.

Commissioners and staff also discussed reporting requirements and allowable uses of ARPA funds. A staff presenter summarized that ARPA reporting requires projects to be categorized (the county used the revenue-replacement approach for much of its ARPA allocation) and noted restrictions on using ARPA for bonuses: bonuses can be allowable only in specific categories such as public health, public safety or recruitment and retention, and must be reported under the correct ARPA category.

Equipment and budget context: Road department priorities included a trailer and belly-dump options; a vendor contact (Shane at Wall Works) provided used belly-dump price examples of about $40,000–$42,000, which informed discussion of whether to keep a $60,000 equipment line. A commissioner noted the county has about $1.4 million in a general fund balance and suggested reallocating leftover ARPA or other local funds if needed. Wayne (identified in the discussion as handling roads/equipment) said an existing trailer is worn and replacement is already on the department’s list.

Other formal actions: The commission approved a motion to authorize staff to apply for the identified grants (motion recorded as made by Edlin and seconded by Bridal; recorded votes: Gabriel aye, Ellison/Allison aye, Zorn nay, Edlin aye, Charmaine aye; motion carried). The commission also voted to approve a Vanguard contract (motion by Edlund, second by Bridal); the contract motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps and timing: Kelly will proceed with grant applications and said she expects notification on the facilities grant by late January or early February; the county will report on any awarded funds per quarterly reporting requirements. If grants fully cover items such as the security system, commissioners discussed reallocating remaining ARPA funds to other listed projects.

The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m. on Dec. 16, 2024.