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Jay County panel approves using remaining ARPA funds toward public-safety radio system
Summary
In a March 11 joint session, the Jay County Commissioners and County Council voted to direct remaining ARPA funds toward purchase of a public-safety radio system rather than the original 68‑acre redevelopment project; the motion passed by majority with Commissioner Chad Aker recorded in opposition.
DUANE MONROE and the Jay County Council met in joint session on March 11, 2026, and voted to reallocate remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward purchase of a public-safety radio system.
Commissioner Doug Horn moved to accept option #4 from consulting firm Baker Tilly, directing $1,271,491.37 remaining from the 68‑acre project and $106,378 held with the REA contract toward Motorola/public-safety radios; Commissioner Duane Monroe seconded. The motion passed by majority vote; the transcript records Commissioner Chad Aker as voting against the motion. The transcript does not record individual yes votes for every council member in the public text.
Why it matters: reallocating the ARPA funds would put the county’s remaining federal pandemic-related dollars toward a countywide radio system intended to improve emergency communications; county officials said the choice would also avoid leaving obligations unspent after the Dec. 31, 2024, eligibility deadline if the county cannot demonstrate a qualifying obligation.
County fiscal context and options: Auditor Emily Franks told the joint session that Baker Tilly had laid out multiple options to handle the outstanding allocation tied to the 68‑acre project. Option #4, the path chosen by the joint session, accepts a replacement contract/subaward after the obligation deadline to complete the radio purchase. Commissioner Aker argued the money should remain tied to the 68‑acre redevelopment or be used for revenue‑generating projects such as housing; others said insufficient partners came forward to advance the 68‑acre plan.
Legal and administrative notes: County Attorney Wes Schemenaur told the body he could offer no additional legal guidance beyond prior conversations with state and federal officials and Baker Tilly; the decision rested with the council and commissioners. Officials noted there is no written federal clearance reported in the transcript and that some risk remains if federal authorities later disagree with the approach.
Next steps: The transcript indicates staff will proceed with contract and procurement actions consistent with the adopted option; the record does not include a procurement timeline or final contract award details.
