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Levelland council approves ARPA spending package including SCADA upgrade and broadband funds
Summary
The Levelland City Council approved Resolution 2024-40 on Dec. 20, allocating remaining ARPA dollars across public-safety, infrastructure and IT projects and adding up to $100,000 for broadband; the vote was taken by voice and carried without recorded opposition.
Levelland — The Levelland City Council voted Dec. 20 to allocate about $936,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds across a package of infrastructure, public-safety and technology projects, including a large upgrade to the city SCADA system and a $100,000 addition for broadband improvements.
The package, introduced as Resolution 2024-40 by city staff, lists nine primary allocations "up to" specified amounts: $150,000 for annual street sealcoat maintenance; $250,000 for servers, hardware and radio equipment; $175,000 for emergency generators at key facilities; $150,000 to replace vehicles or equipment; $125,000 for security cameras at public buildings; $200,000 for a new comprehensive zoning ordinance and a compensation study; $250,000 for a 30-foot communications tower; $800,000 toward a SCADA upgrade; and $150,000 for renovation or purchase of public facilities. Council later accepted an amendment to include up to $100,000 for broadband infrastructure and internet upgrades.
"These are listed as projects we can move forward with if the dollars are available," city staff said while reviewing insurance and FEMA reimbursements that could change final needs. The staff presentation noted several items were being held or adjusted while insurance and FEMA determinations for recent storm and hail damage are finalized.
Utility staff described the SCADA system as a supervisory control and data acquisition platform that monitors wells, pump stations and lift stations and said an upgraded system would provide automated alarms and remote visibility. "If we don't update this and we leave it weak and vulnerable, it sounds farfetched, but it's an ease it would be an easy system to hack into and make our water potentially harmful," said Speaker 4 during the SCADA discussion.
After brief procedural discussion and a short amendment process, a council member moved to approve the resolution "as presented by Mr. Fisher"; the motion was seconded by Mr. Powell and carried on a voice vote. The council did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript; minutes indicate the motion passed with "all in favor" and no opposition.
Next steps: staff will post required notices and proceed with procurement and grant- or insurance-related adjustments where necessary. Several line items were described as contingent on further insurance, FEMA or project bid outcomes.
Quotes in this article are taken directly from the meeting transcript. The ARPA allocation is authorized by Resolution 2024-40 as approved by the council on Dec. 20, 2024.
