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United Way, Extension and Midland University report ARPA spending as county flags award discrepancy
Summary
United Way, the Extension Office and Midland University updated the Dodge County Board on American Rescue Plan Act spending and projects; the Extension office reported a discrepancy in its award amount that county staff will review.
Shayla Linn, executive director of the United Way, told the Dodge County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 27 that the organization has allocated its American Rescue Plan Act funds across three categories and is actively spending the awards. "We have spent $326,695.81 of the $425,000 awarded for basic needs," Linn said, adding the United Way expects to obligate remaining funds by the end of 2025.
Beth Nacke, an Extension Educator with the Dodge County Extension Office, described ARPA-funded programs addressing food insecurity, including a Monthly Meal Kit program and a Little Free Pantry initiative. Nacke said four pantries remain to be installed and that the extension office intends to use its remaining ARPA funds to supply those installations. Nacke also raised a discrepancy: she believes her program’s ARPA award totals $10,000, while county records list the award at $75,000. Supervisor Bendig and County Clerk Micki Gilfry said they will review original ARPA documents to reconcile the difference.
A Midland University representative reported the university used ARPA funds to support a 24/7 telehealth and counseling platform and expects to file a final reimbursement request that will exhaust its award.
The board heard that the Old Highway 275 overlay project may have come in under budget, potentially leaving some ARPA dollars to re-obligate. County officials emphasized that any remaining ARPA funds must be obligated before the federal deadline of Dec. 31, 2026.
Why it matters: ARPA funds have deadlines and specific allowable uses; the Board’s review and reconciliation of awards will determine how much remains for basic needs, nonprofit support and community projects such as improved access to the Olson Community Engagement Center conference room.
The Board took no separate vote on ARPA reallocation during the meeting and directed staff to review records and return with clarifying documentation.
