Woods County tables action on senior center change order amid questions over funding and ARPA eligibility

At a Feb. 20, 2025 meeting, the Woods County Board of Commissioners tabled action on Change Order No. 2 for the Woods County Senior Citizens Project after questions about how an Industrial Authority contribution should be handled and whether American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds can be used.

The board postponed a vote to allow staff and legal counsel to clarify whether the Industrial Authority should pay the contractor directly, whether the county may pay and be reimbursed, or whether another contractual arrangement is required. The change order as described would add roughly 550 square feet to the facility and modify bathrooms and other finishes; the county was told the Industrial Authority has committed around $100,000 and the change order totals about $88,000.

During the discussion, a county staff member identified as Roy…