Tiverton moves to obligate ARPA/opera funds and authorize MOUs to meet Treasury rules

Tiverton officials told the council on Nov. 20 that recent Treasury guidance requires jurisdictions to have funds "in hand"—such as signed contracts, purchase orders or memorandums of understanding—by Dec. 31, 2024 to count as obligated. Town staff recommended moving purchase orders and related documents from the casino revenue account into the ARPA/opera account so the town meets that definition and does not risk deobligation under federal rules.

The town administrator and treasurer explained that an ordinance alone is not sufficient to meet the Treasury definition of an obligation; instead, the town needs contracts or MOUs. The council voted to authorize the requisite parties to sign the MOUs (with corrected dates) and to proceed with obligations as presented. Councilors discussed authorizing the council president to sign as part of standard practice, and staff said the MOUs would be executed by the administrator, the council president and department heads.

Council members also reviewed individual MOUs, including one for a street sweeper whose updated quote rose from about $333,000 to roughly $398,500 because of a larger tank option and additional lettering/painting costs. Staff said purchase orders or signed quotes exist and could be executed promptly so the obligations meet the Treasury definition. The council approved motions directing signatories and corrections to dates where needed.