Cache County reviews remaining ARPA obligations; $903,000 left to spend with committee to consider reallocation

Alma Burgess, Cache County grant administrator, presented an update on ARPA spending and remaining obligations. She told the council that the county’s $25 million in state and local fiscal recovery funds have been obligated across projects and that approximately $903,000 remains unspent and must be expended by December 31, 2026.

Burgess listed several projects with remaining balances, explained the categories used to determine eligibility, and reported that some entities (Bear River Association of Governments, Bear River Health Department, refugee/immigrant connection and public defenders) had provided plans showing varying ability to spend their awards by the deadline. She said two small balances—about $18,000 and $18,700—are unlikely to be spent and suggested that council consider reallocating those amounts if necessary.

Council members asked that the appropriations committee review options and recommended staff contact awardees for written confirmation. The council directed the appropriations committee to discuss the matter at its June 1 meeting and bring recommendations back to the full council. Burgess noted reallocation of unobligated or unspent funds has precedent; the county previously moved leftover ARPA funds into stormwater and sewer projects via budget amendments.

Council members also discussed the possibility of moving some ARPA balances to public-works projects that are ready to spend, with staff and public-works leadership indicating timelines that could absorb reallocated funds this summer.