County to turn in wish list for ARP funds

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by Patty Cheffey

Marion County has been asked to develop a wish list by the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments concerning their American Recovery Plan funds.

Allona Kizer was present at Monday’s Marion County Commission meeting to discuss what projects are allowed and what might be allowed for funds from the ARP to be used.

Also Monday, the commissioners reviewed health insurance and sales tax and fund balances and heard from a supplement insurance group.

According to Kizer, who has been tasked by the MTRCG to assist counties with their recovery act funds, many of the counties with which she is working are looking at their bigger projects, including enhanced 911 and broadband expansion.

One county, Shelby, has also already given funds to daycares, which is allowed.

Although the Marion County Commission has not listed anything in particular for certain, they have discussed seeing if the funds will help cover the cost difference between an engineer’s estimate and the actual cost due to increased pricing because of Covid on such projects as the storm water drainage issue on the south and west side of the Palmyra Courthouse and a new roof at the county jail.

In addition, they asked Kizer if the building or purchase of some additional storage might be covered.

Kizer indicated she was uncertain on a couple of the county’s questions, but would investigate to see what might be allowed. Often, she said  it’s just a matter of how you word your request.

While the county has not opened up an application process to the public, Harvest Outreach has already contacted the county about funding to help build a facility to house that program as well as other community events.

Teya Stice, county improvement coordinator, said she has the application form as well as any additional paperwork which might be needed.

In other business, Carla Meyers was present to go over mid-year claims for the county’s health insurance.

In addition, she reported the county employees are eligible for a new RX Free for Me program, which offers mail order prescriptions at a reduced price.

The county also approved a one-time fund transfer of $450,000 from Capital Improvements to General Revenue for law enforcement. The item was budgeted.

County Clerk Valerie Dornberger also provided monthly fund balances, which are in good shape, she said, as well as recent sales tax figures.

Combined General Revenue and Road and Bridge funds stand at $1,709,886.39, compared to $1,312,217.56 in August 2020.

General Revenue sales tax came in at $260,771.58, compared to $245,085.34 in August 2020, while Capital Improvement sales tax for August was $195,578.44, compared to $183,813.88 a year ago,

The road fund taxes were also up for August 2021 at $130,368.03, compared to $122,542.43 in August 2020.

Commissioners also approved a project agreement with E-911 for enhanced services and expansion.