I would like to start by thanking the City of Appleton’s Finance Director, Ms. Jeri Ohman, who kindly answered my questions, patiently guiding me through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) data.
In 2021 the City of Appleton was awarded $14,891,841 in Federal ARPA money. This money was given in two tranches 2021/2022. (See Program Budget Summary below.) Money must be obligated by December 21, 2024 with spending completed by December 21, 2026. The Federal Government provided guidelines to the City on contract specifications, reporting requirements, and responsibilities of Federal as well as City oversite of projects. No paying down of debt or pension fund catch-up was allowed.
As of June 30, 2022 only $2,521,154.16 has actually been paid out, with another $2,049,517.33 having been obligated, leaving a whopping $10,321,169.51 still in the pipeline. Appleton Concerned Taxpayers (ACT) asked the question “what will happen if all the money is not obligated by Dec. 21, 2024”? The city is confident of meeting this deadline with approved projects. ACT plans to keep an eye on this process to ensure Appleton not only meets the obligation deadline, but receives real “value” from the ARPA money.
Below is an overview of approved and proposed spending. Note that the approved 2021 spending is all city spending while the 2022 proposed spending primarily involves outside agencies and non-government organizations. Project proposals are still under review as they track through the city’s oversite obligation.
City of Appleton
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Program Budget Summary
The City of Appleton approved 2021 expenditures totaling $6,891,841 as follows:
| COVID-19 response | $1,991,841 |
| Lost Revenue – Parking Utility | $1,500,000 |
| Lead Service line replacement | $1,000,000 |
| Library – Broadband Access | $2,000,000 |
| Short-term Community Partners Support | $ 250,000 |
| Consulting/Admin. Support for 2022 Projects | $ 150,000 |
| Total: | $6,891,841 |
2022 Proposed Expenditures > $15,000 totaling $8,000,000 as follows:
| Housing Affordability | $3,000,000 |
| Local economic recovery | $1,000,000 |
| Social Infrastructure | $1,000,000 |
| Community wellness, Mental Health & Violence Protection |
$1,000,000 |
| Arts, Culture & Education Institutions | $ 500,000 |
| Early Childhood Development | $1,500,000 |
| Total: | $8,000,000 |
Again, my thanks to Finance Director Ohman. If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns over Appleton’s use of this ARPA money, you are encouraged to contact the Office of the Mayor or any of the 15 City Council members. Contact information is available at the city website: Appleton.org
