MILL CREEK—The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law on March 11, 2021, by President Joe Biden, provided $350 billion through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities with populations under 50,000, such as Lynnwood, received funds through state governments, allocated based on population share, with a cap at 75% of their most recent budget as of January 27, 2020. In Mill Creek’s case this amounted to $5,839,053.
Overall, Mill Creek used its ARPA funds to support and to improve public safety services by adding a limited term position; funding the police department’s salaries and overtime costs for 2023-2024; installing security system in various city facilities and acquiring an unmanned aerial system.
Funds were also allocated to acquire a new loader and replacement of one street sweeper. These acquisitions are intended to support the Public Works department in the performance of several deferred repairs and maintenance of infrastructures; and to improve the City’s ability to respond to emergencies.
In addition, funds were also authorized to support the City’s comprehensive plan update; expansion of financial software and celebration of the 40th year of incorporation by hosting community events.
Below is a complete breakdown of ARPA expenditures by the Mill Creek City Council:
- Employee retention, $318,447.54
- Police and Public Safety salaries and OT, $4,040,320.33
- Purchase Compact Loader, $204,952.90
- Purchase unmanned ariel system, $33,770.71
- Comprehensive Plan update, $233,012.48
- Deputy Director of Public Safety temporary position, $319,093.71
- Springbrook Financial System Upgrade and Training, $73,677.52
- Safety and Security Upgrade, $138,693
- Purchase of Street Sweeper, $467,164.81
- 40th Anniversary Badges for City Banners and City Events, $10,000
- Aggregate Expenditures in Awards less than $50,000, in the amount of $318,447.54
Local governments had to obligate the funds by December 31, 2024, and spend the monies no later than December 31, 2026.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
