American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) On March 11, 2021, following approval actions by Congress and the President, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) went into effect. By July, the City was made aware of available funds, through the State of Kansas, and the City Council was apprised of how these funds differed from CARES Act funds, and the eligible expenses for ARPA, as well as the timeline for expenditures. For the City of Tonganoxie, the total amount of ARPA funds available are $846,977.98, with an equal amount of $423,488.99 made available in FY 2021 and FY 2022. While the City’s $834k of CARES Act funds were primarily distributed towards small business grants ($446k), expanded free WiFi at the Library and Parks ($175k), and enhanced Municipal Services at 303 Bury ($200k), the ARPA funds are yet to be designated by the City Council. However, we know that by Federal guidelines, eligible uses are limited but generally include: responding to Public Health emergency, Revenue Loss, premium pay for essential workers, and water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Conclusion While the annual budget document relays the prioritization of the City’s various assets, programs and services, it is equally important to acknowledge the critical roles of the City Council’s leadership and policy vision, the efforts of City employees to deliver services and manifest that vision, and the larger Community’s engagement with their local government to help develop key programs and initiatives. Many thanks to all those involved in supporting the overall efforts of the City of Tonganoxie, and I very much look forward to continuing towards the strategic vision in 2022. Respectfully submitted, George Brajkovic City Manager
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