Advance McHenry County reports 80% of ARPA reimbursements processed, staff sets deadline to collect outstanding claims

Staff leading the county’s Advance McHenry County ARPA program told the finance committee they have been meeting one‑on‑one with project recipients to collect reimbursement requests and documentation. The staff member said most projects have advanced and that about 80% of ARPA award funds have been reimbursed so far.

For projects that have completed work but not yet submitted reimbursement requests, staff set an internal deadline (requested by staff) for documentation to be submitted by March so the county can consider reallocation plans for funds that are not yet drawn down. Staff said they would first try to help recipients submit outstanding reimbursement requests and emphasized that intergovernmental agreements allow the county to reallocate funds if recipients fail to meet grant requirements.

Committee members asked about a hard deadline for reallocation, suggesting an internal cutoff (August 1) to allow staff adequate time to assemble options, present reallocations to the board, and spend funds within ARPA timing constraints. Staff noted some projects (for example, construction or water/sewer work) have valid reasons to delay invoices and that reimbursements are generally tied to proof of payment or final project milestones.

Members discussed particular cases: Veterans Path to Hope (under‑utilized) and a neurodiversity clinic (which needs bridge funding until Medicaid reimbursements begin in June/July). Staff said they will continue to meet with recipients, bring forward recommendations for reallocations to approved projects where appropriate, and report back to the committee.