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Council authorizes ARPA spending for EMS and local projects, including $362,386 for public safety equipment
Summary
Florence County approved ARPA reallocations and project designations, including a $1,578,582 expenditure for emergency medical services with $97,000 reassigned to an EMS study, $362,386 for a public safety 'bear cat,' and infrastructure allocations for small towns.
Council adopted Resolution No. 16 to authorize expenditure of $1,578,582 and to reassign $97,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to support emergency medical services and related work. County Administrator Kevin Yoakum told council some ARPA funds will purchase public‑safety equipment (a reported $362,386 for a 'bear cat') and support municipal water‑line extensions and water infrastructure improvements for small towns.
Yoakum also explained that the county has an obligation timeline for ARPA funds and that some allocations are tied to job and investment commitments in economic development projects. On the EMS side, the council approved reallocating $97,000 to contract with a health‑care strategist to complete a detailed EMS department study, and council authorized negotiations and execution of the related contract pending final review.
The council discussed that ARPA funds must be obligated by the end of the calendar year and that allocations include an estimated $1,700,000 currently available with additional awards anticipated through 2038. "This grant is in exchange for a commitment of an investment of $6,200,000 in the creation of 77 new full time jobs," Kevin Yoakum said when describing the economic tie‑ins for a related grant; staff reiterated ARPA compliance requirements for expenditures.
