$1 million payment protects ARPA money

With time ticking toward the end of 2024, Wayne County government worked to ensure that it would not return any of its American Rescue Plan Act dollars to the federal government.

The county had until Dec. 31 to spend or commit — through contract, memorandum of understanding or interlocal agreement — the entire $12,797,195 it received. As ongoing projects fluctuate in cost, the county adjusted its ARPA allocations.

During the council and commissioners workshop Dec. 18, Commissioner Jeff Plasterer reviewed a spreadsheet with the ARPA expenditures, including those through the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program. The result was the county had more than $800,000 remaining that had neither been spent nor committed. That occurred because commissioners earlier Dec. 18 during their meeting rejected a bid higher than expected to install an elevator in the courthouse.

Plasterer suggested the county repay its general fund $831,920 from ARPA money for payments made during the project that restored and repaired stone on the courthouse exterior. Midwest Maintenance Inc. of Piqua, Ohio, completed the $1,748,057 project earlier in 2024.

Council member Max Smith advocated that another $220,269.10 payment to Midwest Maintenance also be repaid to the general fund. It’s possible, although unlikely, that ongoing projects could be completed under budget, which would cause the county to not spend all of its ARPA money. Smith said that raising the repayment amount to $1,052,189.10 would provide a safety net so there would be no repayment.

The $1,052,189.10 would be added to $1,050,000 in the general fund that’s earmarked for projects agreed upon by council and commissioners. The $2.1 million represents ARPA money that was spent on general fund expenses rather than extra projects.

The commissioners approved a resolution for the payment, then council authorized the payment.

Consolidated EDIT

Commissioners on Dec. 18 approved four-year contracts with Centerville and Economy to contribute half of their economic development income tax dollars to a consolidated fund that provides the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County operating budget and pays for EDC projects. Council unanimously voted its support for the two contracts.

After those votes, council member Barry Ritter asked Plasterer about Hagerstown’s plan to only continue its EDIT contributions for one more year. Plasterer said he and Valerie Shaffer, president of the EDC, planned to discuss the situation with Hagerstown Town Council in 2025 after two new council members are seated.

“My perspective is we should not put ourselves in [a] position where we negotiate terms of the contract with every community that wants to participate or not,” Plasterer said.

Consolidated EDIT was formed so no one community would pay for the EDC’s operating budget by itself. With about $750,000, a professional staff is funded to work on economic development projects.

“Anytime jobs come to any place in this county, they are open to any resident of the county,” council member Max Smith said. “It’s sad that they’re looking strictly at dollars that come back to them and they can deposit in their bank account to determine the benefit to Hagerstown. I’m sorry that they have taken that position, and hopefully, they’ll change their position.”

Final meeting

Butters and council member Tony Gillam attended their final meeting at workshop. Butters did not seek reelection for a fourth term, and Gillam has resigned his seat after moving out of his district after serving more than 20 years on council.

“I’ve enjoyed it, enjoyed working with all of you, enjoyed representing Center Township and the western part of Richmond on county council,” Gillam said. “I think the work that we’ve done over the years and as I’ve often said, the work of people way before us have done for Wayne County has put us in a great financial position. We have one of the very lowest tax rates in the state of Indiana.

“I’ll miss working with you all. If you ever start thinking spend, spend, spend, remember there’s a time for me during citizen comments.”

Plasterer presented Butters with a certificate of appreciation for 12 years of service. Butters made the point that the county is well-managed.

“That is due to both council and commissioners walking a very, very dedicated commitment to fiscal responsibility and looking after the best interests of everyone in this county,” Butters said. “It’s been a pleasure to serve alongside you. I’m going to miss you all, and thank you for your kindness through all these years.”

Other actions

• An ordinance drawn to formalize council’s policy that it approves all budget transfers was approved by council and commissioners. 
• Commissioners and council approved Robert Hobson for the Wayne County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals. The groups waived the political balance provision and certification requirements for Hobson to replace a member who was not attending the meetings.
• Council voted that the longevity stipend implemented with the 2025 budget would be paid Nov. 7 to qualifying employees.
• Commissioners approved a $395,000 with Smarrelli General Contractors for the courthouse plaza project.
• Council approved the interlocal agreement with the city of Richmond for the county to contribute $1.4 million of ARPA money to the Whitewater Gorge Activation project.