Raeford council adopts $1.58 million ARP spending plan, earmarks funds for public safety and infrastructure

The Raeford City Council adopted a grant project ordinance on March 7 authorizing the use of $1,579,465 in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARP/CSLFRF). Mayor John K. McNeill, III and city finance staff said the city received the first tranche of $789,732 and will receive the remainder within 12 months.

The ordinance lists permissible uses consistent with federal guidance, including public health measures, addressing economic harms, revenue replacement, premium pay for essential workers and investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. The ordinance directs the Finance Officer to maintain payroll and effort documentation in accordance with federal rules (2 CFR Part 200) and to report quarterly to the governing board.

Line-item appropriations in the ordinance identify $1,579,465 in total ARP/CSLFRF funding. The document includes specific staffing allocations: law enforcement services for the period July 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2024 are appropriated with salaries of $951,300 and benefits of $374,800; fire department services are appropriated with salaries of $175,600 and benefits of $77,765. The ordinance states the city elected the standard allowance authorized in 31 CFR Part 35.6(d)(1) to use funds for government services.

City officials instructed the Finance Officer to keep detailed accounting records to satisfy the grantor agency, including payroll documentation and effort certifications under 2 CFR 200.430 and 2 CFR 200.431. The ordinance is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2026, or when all funds are obligated and expended.

The grant project ordinance was approved as part of the consent agenda; no separate roll-call vote was included in the transcript.