Benzie commissioners form ad hoc committee to vet ARPA requests for early childhood programs

The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on April 9 created an ad hoc committee to review American Rescue Plan Act funding requests for early childhood programs and approved a small ARPA grant for an upcoming local fair.

Representatives from local providers — Ashley Lindstrom of Whistle Stop Learning Center, Amiee Erfourth and Melinda Coger of Benzie Central Schools, Amber Wilson of Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools, and Sarah May — presented information on funding needs and program aims during the meeting. Commissioners said they wanted a focused review before committing larger sums.

Commissioner Cunningham moved, and Commissioner Nye seconded, a motion to form the Ad Hoc committee composed of the board chair, Commissioners Cunningham and Nye, and the County Administrator to review requests and prepare a recommendation for disbursement; the board approved the motion unanimously (Commissioner Markey excused). The committee is expected to prepare a recommendation for possible action at the board’s April 23 meeting.

Separately, the board approved $2,000 in ARPA funds to support the April 2024 Early Childhood Fair benefiting Benzie Central Schools, Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools and other childcare community members. That motion passed by roll call with unanimous aye votes and Commissioner Markey excused.

The action puts limited, immediate support toward outreach and community coordination while sending larger funding decisions to the ad hoc panel for vetting and recommendation.

Next steps: the ad hoc committee will review submitted requests and present a recommendation to the full board at the April 23 meeting.