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Estill council obligates ARPA funds for park restroom, community events and equipment purchases
Summary
Council members approved using ARPA funds for park restroom planning and approved two separate $15,000 ARPA allocations for the 2025 Christmas event and 2025 Fall Festival; staff reported multiple ARPA-funded purchases in progress, including police vehicles, radios and park equipment.
At a Dec. 18 special meeting, the Town of Estill council moved to obligate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for park infrastructure, community events and equipment purchases before the year-end obligation deadline.
Town Administrator Tiffany Cooks reminded the council that ARPA funds must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024. Councilwoman Dwanda Bolden presented contractor quotes to build a park restroom, citing two bids at $51,000 and $66,800. Because sewer service is not available at the park site, staff said a mini lift station would be required, adding complexity and cost; Cooks also noted the restroom must meet ADA standards.
Cooks reported several ARPA-funded purchases nearing completion: surplus vehicle paperwork approved for town use, two slightly used police vehicles selected for about $35,000 total, and an order for 800 radios. Public Works purchases are completed pending invoicing, and community items such as benches, planters and trash cans were ordered from Uline. The Christmas committee will front some invoices and be reimbursed from obligated ARPA funds.
The council approved two motions allocating ARPA dollars for community events. Cooks requested $15,000 for the 2025 Christmas event; Councilman James Williams moved and Councilman Joe N. Hadwin Jr. seconded the motion, which passed 4-0. Councilwoman Dwanda Bolden moved to allocate $15,000 for the 2025 Fall Festival; Councilman Hadwin seconded, and the council voted 4-0.
Cooks said she will email the council the ARPA fund totals when available and that some grant work may require additional time from the mayor, council and the town accountant.
What happens next: staff will complete invoicing for pending purchases, confirm ADA and lift-station requirements for park restrooms, and report back with final ARPA balances and procurement details.
