The Starke County Commissioners approved an ordinance last week that would establish a fund in the budget for receipt of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The Starke County Council will authorize expenditures from the fund by appropriation after the approval of the Starke County Commissioners.
The county is expected to receive $4.2 million. While the guidelines are fluid, the money may be used in response to COVID-19’s negative economic impacts including households, small businesses, non-profit organizations, or tourism. It could also act as reimbursement of wages or government services. Funding may also be spent on investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.
There will be two distributions with one in the next few months and the next in 2022. Funds shall be spent by December 31, 2024.
The commissioners voted to suspend the rules and approve the ordinance on all three readings with a unanimous vote.
The commissioners and council members are anticipated to decide how to move forward with expenditures in the next few months.
