Whitfield County directs ARPA funds to library, creates nonprofit review committee and authorizes RAISE grant application
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Summary
The board approved removing the Dalton-Whitfield Library from a special tax district to enable new funding arrangements, authorized a $42,000 ARPA reimbursement to the library, formed a local ARPA nonprofit application review committee (5% of ARPA funds reserved), and approved a resolution to apply for the federal RAISE grant (deadline April 14, 2022).
Whitfield County commissioners on March 16 approved several funding and grant actions intended to expand library resources and pursue federal infrastructure funding.
Commissioner John Thomas moved to remove the Dalton-Whitfield Library from the Special Tax District for Jointly-Funded Services, a change Commissioner Robby Staten seconded. The change, the board was told, allows more funding flexibility; Dalton City offered additional local funding that would bring the combined local support above $760,000 for the library in 2022, with $510,000 identified as County funding for the year (including ARPA). The motion passed 4-0.
The board also approved a $42,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) reimbursement to the library to help offset lost revenues from closures and reduced fines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Barry W. Robbins moved approval and Commissioner Robby Staten seconded; the motion passed 4-0.
Separately, commissioners authorized formation of a local ARPA nonprofit application review committee and designated 5% of ARPA funds for local nonprofit grants. The committee will screen applications before forwarding recommendations to the board.
On a separate item, the board approved a resolution authorizing submission of an application for the U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE grant (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity). County staff noted that the RAISE grant awards range from $1 million to $25 million, commonly require a 20% local match, and that the county’s rural designation for the program may allow 100% federal funding. The board authorized county staff and the chairman to file the application; the stated deadline in the meeting record was April 14, 2022.
Commissioners voted 4-0 on each of the library and ARPA items and on the RAISE application authorization. County staff indicated more detailed project selection for the RAISE application will follow internal review and public outreach.