Halifax County reviews ARPA spending; concerns raised over broadband and sewer project deadlines

Halifax County staff told the Finance Committee on May 19 that the county has allocated about $6.59 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and expended roughly $3.59 million to date across projects that include broadband expansion, water and sewer work, facility upgrades, emergency equipment, and community grants.

Strategic Planning Coordinator Nancy Spencer reported several projects are complete while others remain ongoing. Committee members pressed whether some projects, notably broadband phase two and the plywood trail sewer infrastructure work, can be finished before the federal expenditure deadline of Dec. 31 and sought clarity on potential repayment obligations for partially completed projects. Spencer said legal guidance is being sought.

Discussion of the plywood trail sewer project covered rising engineering costs, easement acquisition requirements, coordination with the Halifax County Service Authority and engineering firm Hurt & Proffitt, and the project's connection to Edmunds Park and prospective industrial development. Committee members discussed alternative funding possibilities, including anticipated solar revenues and additional grants, to cover higher-than-expected estimates.

Committee members expressed appreciation for Spencer’s project summary and discussed preparations for forensic audit review and historical financial reconciliation related to ARPA-funded work. No decisions to reallocate ARPA funds were taken at the Finance Committee meeting; the committee requested further legal and financial follow-up.