The Marshall County Council members reviewed proposed American Rescue Plan Act funding last week in additional appropriations.
The Aid to Non-Profit Organizations line item was reduced from $150,000 to $75,000 in order to comply with an agreement with the Marshall County Community Foundation to oversee funds for those in need financially to hook up to the Regional Sewer District on a case-by-case basis. That reduction was approved with a unanimous vote.
The Clean Water: Other Sewer Infrastructure line was reduced from $100,000 to $75,000, as explained by Councilman Tim Harman after presenting the information to the commissioners along with Regional Sewer District Chairman Thomas McFadden.
Harman stated, “We looked at the costs the Regional Sewer District was asking for and it totaled $70,000 in engineering, attorney and fiscal advisors and we threw in, arbitrarily, $5,000 for any cushion, but it will fund the Regional Sewer District for the start-up costs. It’s part of the compromise that we came up with in order to help fund a sewer relief package for those who will be in need.”
Councilwoman Deborah Johnson commented that this is a very controversial topic and a very hard decision. Council President Jesse Bohannon commented that he has heard from several residents on both sides of the topic and reminded those in attendance that the decision was already made on the formation of the sewer district, but supports aid to those in need.
Councilman Will Patterson said the council is obligated to help with expenses with the Sewer District. Councilman Jim Masterson added there are people in need of relief and understands the concerns.
In the end, the reduction toward the effort was approved with unanimous vote.
In other ARPA additional appropriations, the council unanimously approved $16,925 toward attorney fees in the formation of the Regional Sewer District, and a reduction of funds for the Marshall County Highway Department from $1.5 million to $1,386,627.75.
An effort to support Polk and Tippecanoe Township grant matches for new fire stations will total $100,000, but that will be approved contingent on the grant approval from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
