Town shifts $30K of ARPA funds towards construction oversight to ease budget strain

In a recent meeting at Northborough Town Hall, members of the Select Board engaged in a crucial discussion regarding the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The focus was on shifting $30,000 from the design budget to cover construction oversight costs, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on the town.

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the town has a surplus in its design budget, which was initially set at $250,000 for engineering services. The Beta Group, contracted for the design work, had submitted an estimate of $110,000 for construction oversight. By reallocating the funds, the board hopes to extend the timeline for spending, as the new deadline for these funds is December 31, 2026, compared to the previous deadline of June 30, 2025.

However, the urgency of the situation was palpable. Board members expressed concern over the limited time frame imposed by the state for utilizing these funds. An email from November had initially alerted the town to the availability of the money, but delays in securing the funds had left them with little time to act. “They don’t give you a lot of time,” one member noted, highlighting the pressure to ensure the funds are used effectively.

The discussion also touched on the potential consequences if the project does not receive approval at the upcoming town meeting. In that scenario, the board would need to consider alternative uses for the funds, although it was noted that reappropriating ARPA funds might not be feasible. The design work, however, would continue regardless of the project's funding status, with the possibility of the completed design sitting unused until future funding becomes available.

As the meeting progressed, the board remained optimistic about securing additional funding through grants, with applications already submitted for two separate grants. The hope is that these funds will support the necessary construction oversight and alleviate some of the financial strain on the town.

In conclusion, the Select Board's proactive approach to managing ARPA funds reflects a commitment to ensuring that Northborough's infrastructure projects move forward, even amidst the challenges of funding timelines and regulatory requirements. The outcome of the upcoming town meeting will be pivotal in determining the future of these initiatives.