The committee voted to forward ARPA funding agreements for job-training programs to upcoming legislative agendas while staff finalize project-level details and contracts.

Administration described a $400,000 ARPA obligation that was made in 2024 through an interagency memorandum of understanding (MOU) to meet federal spend/obligation requirements; the MOU did not include executed contracts for service providers at that time. The York Community Resource Center agreement was discussed as a placeholder while staff finalize terms with ARPA consultants. Separately, Christmas Addicts (a community organization) indicated it has eligible uses for an additional $100,000 to support youth job training; administration said staff and consultants were confirming eligibility and scope for a separate agreement to appear on the Nov. 18 legislative agenda.

Council asked whether funds may be used for salaries, operations or capital; administration said allowable expenditures depend on whether costs are tied to delivering the proposed program services (salaries, supplies, training), and that some capital uses (for example, purchasing or renovating property) may be restricted. After public clarification that the 2024 obligation was made via an interagency MOU and that no contract existed in 2024, the committee voted to place the York Community Resource Center ARPA agreement on the Nov. 18 legislative agenda and to forward the Christmas Addicts item for Nov. 18 once staff finalize eligibility and scope.

Next steps: Administration will finalize contracts and scopes of service and present ARPA agreement documents at the Nov. 18 legislative meeting.