Plenty of Mercer County Board discussion involving American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA funding, which is federal money stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Mercer County government will receive $3 million in total. On Tuesday, the board deliberated on $461,000 going to the health department–$400,000 for salaries and $61,000 for a security system. They tabled the salary portion but moved forward with the $61,000 for the security system. County Board Member Tim Arbet wants a strategic plan and public input on how the ARPA funding should be spent.
Kasi Henshaw was hired last month as ARPA Fund Coordinator for the county.
The $3-million has to be spent by 2024 and reported to the federal government by 2026.