Commissioners table ARPA small‑business amendment amid questions over $500,000 Booth contract

Commissioners on the Montgomery County Commission on March 31 postponed consideration of an amendment to the county's ARPA Montgomery Small Thrive Small Business Program after members asked for more detail about a proposed $500,000 contract with Booth and the program's remaining funding.

The item would authorize Booth to manage remaining program funds on the county's behalf and be paid for administration; commissioners were told the county had paid $568,000 to the city, had about $1.9 million remaining on the county side, and that hiring Booth would cost $500,000. Commissioner Costanza led questioning and repeatedly asked staff to clarify how much money remains, what sums had already been allocated to other contractors (referred to in the meeting as "S Boss"), and whether administrative costs had taken a disproportionate share of the program.

"I just have a lot of concerns about this program and have had from the day one," the commissioner said, urging that the county get more money "into the hands of the small business people." The commission was told that an earlier contract with S Boss provided programmatic and technical assistance and that the requested amendment would reallocate up to $3 million previously planned for loans to instead go directly to grants for businesses while maintaining the same administrative allocation.

Commissioners pressed staff on procurement and conflict-of-interest checks. One commissioner asked county counsel (via staff) to confirm the contract and any amendment would comply with bid laws and said the board needed that assurance before voting. Staff described the S Boss work as programmatic, not administrative, and said the planned reallocation would not change the total administrative dollars, only how the remaining funds are distributed.

Commissioners also discussed expected applicant volume and eligibility changes designed to expand access (reducing reliance on tax returns as an eligibility gate). Staff said the redesigned program anticipates roughly 500 applications and that the revised approach would allow more applicants to qualify; they also said an estimated 560'100 beneficiaries had received prior technical assistance, and commissioners suggested those recipients could be prioritized to receive grants.

After extended questioning and a request for additional clarification from Frank and Mr. Robinson (county staff), a motion to postpone the item until the next meeting was made and seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote. The postponement was framed as a chance to confirm procurement compliance, reconcile prior allocations to S Boss, and confirm that Booth's proposed contract maximizes direct grants to small businesses rather than administrative fees.

The commission directed Commissioner Sankey to lead follow-up and report back at the next meeting; staff said they would provide requested documentation and meet with commissioners before the next vote.

The item was tabled pending (1) legal/ procurement review of the Booth contract and any required contract amendment, (2) clarification on how prior funds were allocated to S Boss and what remains available, and (3) a plan showing how the reallocation would increase direct grant dollars to Montgomery-based small businesses. The commission will revisit the amendment at its next meeting.