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Councilors press city officials on ARPA small‑business reallocation as critics fault program administration
Summary
At a Montgomery City work session, council members and public commenters pressed city economic development staff over a proposed re‑obligation of ARPA small‑business funds and a proposed $500,000 administrative allocation, questioning past contractor performance and transparency around how much money reached businesses.
Montgomery City Council members and members of the public on Tuesday pressed city economic development officials for clearer accounting and stronger oversight of a proposed re‑obligation of federal ARPA funds intended for small‑business support.
Council member Jim Wright raised a widely circulated figure alleging roughly $1.7 million was spent on administration while only about $37,500 reached businesses, calling that result “a very expensive $37,000 to administer.” Economic development staffer Robinson responded that the published item was incorrect and said the outlet had not verified details with the city; he described program documents and e‑mails the office has circulated to council members.
Why it matters: Council members and several public commenters said…
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