Finance Director Zeltner clarifies ARPA expenditures and reallocates funds

Atchison County officials have taken significant steps to clarify and manage American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expenditures during a special commission meeting held on December 30, 2024. The meeting, led by Finance Director Mark Zeltner, focused on ensuring compliance with federal guidelines regarding the allocation of ARPA funds.

A key decision made during the meeting involved a $100,000 payment to Project Concern, which was initially scheduled for 2025. Zeltner explained that ARPA funds must be allocated by December 30, 2024, and since no contract was established with Project Concern, the commission voted to reimburse this payment from the general fund. The motion passed unanimously, allowing the county to maintain compliance with ARPA regulations.

Additionally, the commission addressed a $3,370.41 IT expense related to services from ConvergeOne that extended beyond the 2024 funding period. To rectify this, the board approved a motion to reimburse the ARPA fund for this amount and to allocate the same funds towards a software service agreement for 2024. This motion also passed with full support.

In a further effort to streamline ARPA fund management, the commission voted to cancel remaining authorizations for several projects, including the road and bridge facility, appraiser's office remodel, generator costs, and courthouse renovations. The total remaining authorizations to be canceled amount to over $1 million. This decision reflects the county's commitment to accurately reflect expenditures and ensure that funds are used effectively.

Zeltner emphasized that no actual funds are being exchanged; rather, the meeting's actions were focused on reallocating previously approved funds to align with the correct timelines and expenses. The commission's proactive approach aims to uphold transparency and accountability in the use of ARPA funds, ultimately benefiting the Atchison County community.