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Yakima County commissioner: $500,000 ARPA allocation funded Mabton wells; council urged to submit receipts
Summary
Yakima County Commissioner Ladon Glendy told the Mabton study session the county allocated $500,000 in ARPA funds to drill two wells and urged the city to submit receipts for reimbursement; he warned the funds must be spent by Sept. 1 and offered seed-fund and audit contacts.
Yakima County Commissioner Ladon Glendy told the Mabton City Council at a study session that the county previously allocated $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help the city drill two potable water wells.
"It was $500,000, but it was with the express purpose so that the city could drill 2 wells," Glendy said, adding that one well has been drilled but the county has not received invoices for reimbursement. He urged the city to gather receipts so the county can reimburse the city for money already spent.
Glendy told council members the ARPA contract was structured on a reimbursement model and said the county may be flexible about how remaining funds are used if work still addresses Mabton's water needs. He suggested options such as deepening an existing well or repairing screens and pumps on Well 6 and recommended the council consult county contract reviewers before spending additional money.
"Don't spend the money before you make the ask the questions," Glendy said, urging the city to bring invoices and proposed plans to the county so staff can evaluate allowable uses under the contract.
Glendy also noted a spending deadline tied to the allocation and asked the council to track timing: "It needs to be spent by September 1." He described a separate local "seed fund" (Supporting Investments in Economic Development, SIED) that can support infrastructure tied to economic development and provided a contact at YCDA to pursue that option.
Glendy offered to forward the contract language describing eligible costs — filing the start card with the Department of Ecology, erosion and environmental protections, development and testing of wells (approximately 155 feet, stainless-steel screens and filter pack), waste handling, and site restoration — and to share auditor contacts to help the city pursue reimbursement or further review. He said he would follow up by sending contact information to city staff the next day.
No action or vote was taken; council members said staff would gather invoices and pursue follow-up with the county.
