Finance director updates FEMA reimbursement, ARPA deadline and audit; private-duty receivables may be sent to collections

At the meeting the finance director presented monthly and year-to-date reports, described ongoing FEMA coordination, and provided procedural reminders about ARPA deadlines and the town audit.

On FEMA reimbursements the director said the first eligible amount is $4,645.95 and that the town’s share (75 percent) is approximately $3,484.46; the director said this is the first of several reimbursements expected and that the town is in regular contact with FEMA and using the agency portal to upload documentation. The next scheduled coordination meeting with FEMA was noted as occurring later in the week via Zoom.

On ARPA funding the director reminded the board that all purchase orders and contracts tied to ARPA had to be executed by Dec. 31, 2024, and that funds must be expended by the end of 2026. The director reported the town executed contracts as required and said staff are working to complete remaining projects before the deadline.

Regarding the town audit, the finance director said auditors had finished work on the Board of Education files and were working on town files; the town expects to sign an extension at the end of March with a target to complete the audit by the end of April.

The finance director also reported there had been no change in private-duty receivables since the last report and that the town intends to send outstanding accounts—approximately $40,000—to collections if no payments are received in the next 30 days.

What happens next: FEMA reimbursement processing will continue; ARPA spending must be completed by end of 2026; the town expects an audit extension and aims to complete fieldwork by end of April. The town will proceed with collections activity on private-duty receivables if payments are not received.