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Preston council approves ARPA allocation for downtown revitalization over one member’s objection
Summary
The council approved allocating $74,706.29 in ARPA funds for downtown revitalization, including renovation of Rotary Park, in a 3–1 vote; Treasurer Kelly Mickelsen noted the city must obligate $74,760.29 by April 30, and Councilmember Todd Thomas objected over concerns about water tank engineering funding.
The Preston City Council voted April 28 to allocate $74,706.29 in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward downtown revitalization, approving the measure 3–1.
City Treasurer Kelly Mickelsen told the council the city must obligate $74,760.29 in ARPA funds by April 30, 2025 and spend the monies by Dec. 31, 2026. Councilmembers debated using the funds for several downtown projects, including Rotary Park renovation, playground improvements, sidewalk installation and water-tank engineering.
Councilmember Brent Dodge moved to allocate $74,706.29 toward downtown revitalization for renovation of Rotary Park, a motion seconded by Councilmember Chris Larsen. Councilmember Todd Thomas voted no and asked that his dissent be noted, saying he was concerned about allocating funds for water tank engineering. Councilmembers Terry Larson and Brent Dodge voted in favor; the motion passed by majority vote.
Thomas had earlier proposed splitting the ARPA dollars—approximately $42,989.55 for water tank engineering and $31,716.74 for sidewalk improvements—but that motion failed for lack of a second. The record shows both proposals and the council’s final vote were discussed on the council floor; the transcript records Thomas’s objection and the council’s adoption of the Dodge motion.
Next steps: city staff must finalize obligating the ARPA funds before the April 30 deadline and document expenditures per federal ARPA requirements; the council signaled the funds will be used for the downtown project as approved.
Notes on amounts: Treasurer Kelly Mickelsen stated the obligation amount as $74,760.29 in the meeting record. The motion adopted by the council was recorded as $74,706.29; the transcript includes both figures.
