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City manager briefs council on audits, ARPA reporting and bridge replacement timetable
Summary
City Manager told the council Seward completed required ARPA reporting and faces a single-audit requirement because of federal grant-funded projects; staff praised July 4 volunteers, flagged a bridge inspection issue pending FEMA review, and said Walker Road design depends on a completed survey.
The City Manager told the Seward City Council the city completed ARPA reporting options and will undergo a single audit this year because of significant federal grant-funded projects.
"There are a number of people that weren't doing the reporting in regards to the usage of their ARPA dollars," the City Manager said, describing why the city has been diligent about its submissions to the U.S. Treasury. He said Seward used ARPA under allowable exemptions — primarily salary replacement in some cases — and that staff participated in webinars to ensure timely and correct reporting.
Because of federal funds tied to projects including Wharton Boulevard and the city's wellness-center work, the City Manager said the city qualified for a single audit and is finishing accounting to close those grants. He said additional county funds tied to the water-tower project are also part of the audit scope.
Staff debriefed the council on the July 4 event and thanked volunteers and regional law-enforcement partners for planning and safety work. "I guesstimate was 51,000 something," one presenter said when asked about crowd size; the City Manager said official numbers will be provided by the event lead (Clark).
The City Manager also described a recent bridge inspection in which GAO noted items that required follow-up; the bridge was placed in caution and the city expects to complete an assessment before bidding a full replacement. He said FEMA responses were delayed by a federal shutdown and that staff expects to clear legal and procedural items, bid in the fall and construct the replacement next year.
On staffing and community partnership matters, the City Manager said the city is assisting SCCDP with recruitment after departures and noted Communities for Housing, a three-year county program to assist housing needs, is beginning. He said department end-of-year estimates are due this week so staff can finalize cash-flow projections and inform mayoral and council budget work.
The report closed with routine announcements and appreciation for city and volunteer efforts during the holiday weekend. The council moved to accept staff briefings and proceed with agenda business.
