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Finance committee recommends approval of tiny ARPA cleanup ordinance
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Summary
The finance committee unanimously recommended the assembly approve an ARPA "cleanup" ordinance that consolidates small rounding balances (totaling $7.09) into the county administrative budget so the amounts can be expended and reported before federal deadlines.
The Barnstable County Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the full assembly approve a small ARPA "cleanup" ordinance that consolidates fractional rounding amounts from town tranches into the county administrative budget.
Assistant County Administrator Vera Harik told the committee the amounts are de minimis — cents and dollars left by mathematical allocations — and that the proposal would move $7.09 to the administrative salary budget so it can be spent on allowable administrative salaries and fringes. "We're keeping track of everything to the penny," Harik said, noting the county must comply with federal spending rules and has until Dec. 31, 2026, to spend ARPA funds.
Committee members asked whether unspent funds would have to be returned and how materiality would be determined. Harik said federal guidance has not yet defined a materiality threshold but the county is tracking changes and will comply with whatever is required. After discussion, Delegate Freizel moved the recommendation; Delegate Killian seconded and the motion passed on a 5-0 roll call.
The recommendation goes to the full assembly for final action; there was no substantive debate about policy changes tied to the funds because the amounts involved are minimal.
