MONROE — Some unexpected good news is brightening the city’s financial picture in the form of re-allocated American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Funds.

The city received just over $1.1 million in federal money allocated in response to the pandemic and it put all the funds into the purchase of a badly needed ladder truck for the fire department. That was about all the ARPA money, though, until recently when officials learned the city won another federal grant to fund the truck.

“…in January 2024 we were notified that we had been awarded a USDA-Rural Development grant for the remaining balance due for the aerial ladder truck,” said City Administrator Brittney Rindy. “Therefore, we are currently evaluating our current and future needs to determine the most appropriate expenditure…” of remaining funds, she said. 

The city must “obligate” any extra funds by December 2024 and spend it by December 2026, she added.

ARPA was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021 to speed recovery from the economic and health effects of the pandemic and an ongoing recession. Locally, the plan allocated $350 billion to help state, local, and tribal governments, with the County of Green receiving $7.17 million and Green County municipalities receiving a little over $3.6 million.

“The City of Monroe did receive $1,105,373 in ARPA funds. $730,705 has been expended on the installment for the Fire Department Aerial Ladder Truck,” Rindy said, in an email. “The remaining funds were allocated to support the remaining balance due for the aerial ladder truck when delivered.”

Cities and towns are allowed to use the money for numerous budget items, with one or more of the following criteria:

●  To support public health expenditures.

●  Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency.

●  Replace lost public sector revenue.

●  Provide premium pay for essential workers.

●  Invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.