In November 2021, when Jim Palenick was city manager, City Council approved programs that were expected to benefit from the ARPA money. At the time, the largest ticket item was $7.5 million earmarked for the renovation of the Great Miami River riverfront property.
Lolli, the former fire chief hired to replace Palenick, said he met with staff to generate proposed uses of ARPA funds. He wanted to hear from council members, who said they also want citizens’ input.
The city has spent or encumbered about $3.83 million in ARPA funds on LED street lights, premium pay for city employees, the Robert “Sonny” Hill Community Center expansion project and renovations of the Middletown Division of Police locker rooms.
Some of the suggestions from Lolli and city staff included $4 million to replace the HVAC system, the windows and column repairs in the City Building; $3.75 million for the Towne Mall Galleria redevelopment; $3 million in the fire station gap funding; $2.6 million in water capital projects; $250,000 to install Wi-Fi in Smith and Lefferson parks; and an undisclosed funding for Butler Tech Aviation at Middletown Regional Airport.
Council member Zack Ferrell, serving his first term, said upgrading the City Building doesn’t “help residents” and the ARPA funds are the “peoples’ money.”
He’d prefer rebuilding the town that has been “ignored” for 10 years, he said.
Tal Moon, the most veteran council member, believes investing in the Manchester Inn/Snider Building should be a priority for the city. He said the city needs to consider its current needs and how to generate future revenue.
Mayor Nicole Condrey called the redevelopment of the Manchester/Snider “a pivotal piece” to the revitalization of downtown.
Council member Rodney Muterspaw said he’s a big proponent of funding community events because they attract visitors to the city and he wants the city to build an aquatic center.
Lolli said the ARPA funds must be budgeted by Dec. 31, 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.
ARPA MONEY THE CITY HAS EARMARKED
- Community Center expansion project: $2.1 million
- Premium Pay: $1,167,000
- LED street lighting replacement project: $800,000
- Police locker room improvements: $430,000
PROPOSED USES OF ADDITIONAL ARPA FUNDS
City Building improvements, $4 million. These improvements include the replacement of the window systems for the entire building, replacement of the building’s HVAC system, and other improvements.
Broadband/Wi-Fi installation for Smith and Lefferson parks, $250,000. This proposed project would provide wireless service in the parks.
Towne Mall redevelopment, $3.75 million: The use of ARPA funds for this project were previously earmarked by council in 2021. The use of the entire amount may not be necessary and could be reprogrammed for others uses once the project’s redevelopment costs are more refined.
Fire Stations gap funding, $3 million: Due to inflationary forces, the “hard” construction cost of the four new facilities has risen above the original $16.8 million estimate. This gap funding also represents coverage for soft costs related to the project.
Water Capital projects, $2.6 million: The Water Capital Fund is projected to have a carryover fund balance below $500,000 by 2027 with the limited investment in system replacement the city has programmed. The use of ARPA funds to supplement the Water Capital Fund will allow it to maintain a reserve balance to at least 2030 that hedges against any unforeseen emergency repairs or system failures. The ARPA funds proposed would be used to replace the water main system on Lisa Lane and Dix Road. Remaining Water Capital Fund dollars could then be reprogrammed to address issues elsewhere in the city.
SOURCE: City of Middletown
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