Herington reallocates about $48,900 in leftover ARPA funds; city manager outlines major 2025 projects

The Herington City Commission approved a resolution to reallocate $48,912.86 in unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds back to the city's general fund, giving the city broader flexibility to use those dollars as revenue replacement.

Megan, staff in finance, told the commission the city received roughly $346,000 in ARPA funds and reported prior expenditures of $56,685 on the Lehi house repairs and $240,519 on boring and sewer work tied to a Casey's project, leaving the $48,912.86 unspent. Staff recommended transferring the remainder into the general fund so it could be used for contingencies or reported as revenue replacement to preserve flexibility; the commission approved the resolution subject to staff review.

City manager Thatcher then presented a year-end review, highlighting completion and adoption of the comprehensive plan and a strategic plan, preparation and land grading for the trailhead, generator renovation work and expected 2026 implementation, disc-golf course renovations and lake-trail cleanup, housing progress at Logan Point (five initial grant-backed homes), municipal-pool upgrades, fleet replacements (including a ladder truck and police vehicle), and an awarded Safe Routes grant of over $1 million to connect the school and pool via sidewalks and trails.

Thatcher outlined 2025 priorities: finalize the capital-improvement plan (CIP) with early budget work sessions in January, seek bids for wastewater treatment facility expansion, advance the raw water-line project with an anticipated April start, roll out a new financial suite, and explore a potential sales-tax initiative for infrastructure projects. Staff said remaining procurement and engineering milestones are expected next year and that the commission will revisit budget implications during the 2025 cycle.