DeKalb County officials face scrutiny over $1 million ARPA fund allocation and spending transparency

Concerns over the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds dominated the Stonecrest City Council meeting on December 16, 2024. Council members expressed alarm over the potential return of over $1 million in unspent funds, raising questions about the city’s ability to effectively manage the financial resources received two years ago.

One council member highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “You got this money 2 years ago and supposedly there was a plan to disperse it. Now we're hearing that you may have to give back, over $1,000,000 because you haven't been able to figure out how to get it done.” This statement underscored the frustration surrounding the city’s handling of the funds, which were intended to support various community initiatives.

The discussion also turned to the $685,000 allocated for law enforcement, with concerns about transparency regarding its expenditure. “To sit here and tell us these line items, but not to tell us exactly how it was spent, is troubling,” the council member remarked, emphasizing the need for accountability in how public funds are utilized.

Additionally, there was no discussion about the $1.2 million given to the DeKalb County Board of Education or the $500,000 allocated to Piedmont College, leaving many in the council questioning the oversight of these significant financial contributions.

As the meeting concluded, the council's concerns highlighted a pressing need for clearer communication and accountability regarding the use of ARPA funds, setting the stage for future discussions on financial management and community investment.