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DeWitt County approves ARPA funds for fire and EMS radio upgrades after debate over contingency sources
Summary
The County Board approved allocating $359,169.43 in ARPA funds for a fire and EMS radio upgrade, with discussion about using contingency and economic development funds to cover portions and timing of the expense.
The DeWitt County Board voted to allocate $359,169.43 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a countywide fire and EMS radio upgrade project. The motion included a separate $100,000 element attributed to Farmer City Fire Department funds and referenced a contingency figure of $57,497 that prompted debate among board members over whether to draw from economic development funds or contingencies.
Board members discussed budgetary impacts and whether the project should be split across fiscal years or paid from contingency reserves. One member proposed taking $57,497 from economic development contingency funds; others argued contingency should be preserved for unplanned emergencies and suggested budgeting for part of the cost in fiscal year 2025 instead. Supporters argued public-safety radios constitute an appropriate ARPA use and urged timely allocation given procurement and vendor lead times. After amendment discussion and clarification that other budget lines (including marina contingency) could be adjusted if needed, the motion to allocate the ARPA funds carried in a roll-call vote.
The board did not unanimously agree on the source of the smaller contingency piece, and members noted plans to reflect budgeting for the remainder in next year’s budget. The motion authorized project funding and directs staff to proceed with procurement and related contract signings necessary to secure the upgrade.
