Troy council adopts ARPA omnibus, reallocates funds to parks, pool, lead work and ambulance service

Troy City Council on Dec. 30 adopted Ordinance 81, a package of reallocations of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and related resolutions that move uncontracted balances into a set of priority projects including park improvements, a public pool project, lead pipe replacements and additional ambulance operations. The amended ordinance and a set of seven resolutions were adopted after public comment and extended council discussion.

Why it matters: The ordinance reprograms federally sourced ARPA money to projects city leaders say are “shovel-ready” or time-sensitive. Administration officials told council members that some previously allocated lines had new outside funding (for example a state grant for the Nicker Bacher pool) or had been undersubscribed, freeing dollars to address infrastructure, public-safety and park needs.

What the council approved: The council adopted the amended ordinance (Ordinance 81) and passed Resolutions 162–168, which authorize memoranda of understanding and other agreements connecting the city to project work. The ordinance includes a reallocation that leaves a Freer Park revitalization budget of $3,619,763 (as amended during discussion) and confirms a city contribution for One Monument Square planning tied to $19 million in proposed state funding. The council also approved a memorandum of understanding for lead service line replacements and authorized additional ambulance operations to continue into 2025.

Debate and checks: Council members pressed the administration for details: whether Freer Park’s scope would prioritize playgrounds and ADA access or focus on renovating the Park Pub; whether lead-replacement ARPA dollars duplicate or supplement Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding; and whether the city would be able to obligate all reallocated funds before federal re-obligation deadlines. Administration staff said contracted projects retain their funding, that some lines were reduced after securing other grants, and that $1 million was being set aside to ‘‘front’’ lead replacements so work can begin before reimbursements arrive.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 81 (ARPA omnibus reallocation): adopted (voice vote; later recorded as 7–0). (see meeting action: Ordinance 81) - Resolution 162 (set meeting dates): adopted (7–0). - Resolution 163 (MOU: One Monument Square / Riverfront Park improvements): adopted (7–0). - Resolution 164 (MOU: demolish hazardous structures): adopted (7–0). - Resolution 165 (MOU: Freer Park improvements): adopted (7–0); includes amendment to earmark a minimum of $1.5M for park improvements. - Resolution 166 (MOU: Nicker Bacher Park pool and related improvements): adopted (7–0). - Resolution 167 (MOU: lead service line replacements): adopted (7–0). - Resolution 168 (MOU: additional ambulance operations): adopted (7–0).

Key quotes: Administration representative Sheamus said the Freer Park package was intended to address playgrounds, ADA accessibility and structural work at Park Pub and described the proposed parcels as a ‘‘wish list’’ that would be prioritized. Council Member McLaren said she was "thrilled that these two parks are going to be renovated" and emphasized neighborhood input.

Next steps: The administration will proceed with MOUs and move toward contracting and RFPs; council members will see individual contracts and authorizations as work is finalized. The council was explicit that further funding requests or contract change orders will return to the body for approval.