High Springs Puts Final ARPA Dollars to Work

HIGH SPRINGS – At the Dec. 12, 2024, City Commission Meeting, City Manager Jeremy Marshall presented a plan for allocating the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, outlining a list of prioritized projects aimed at improving city infrastructure, public services, and safety. After reviewing the proposed expenditures and holding discussions, Commissioners approved adjustments to the priority list.

ARPA was signed into law in March 2021 as part of the federal government’s response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. ARPA allocated $1.9 trillion in relief funding nationwide, with $350 billion specifically designated for state, local, and tribal governments to address revenue shortfalls, infrastructure needs, and community recovery projects.

Cities like High Springs received ARPA funds to invest in essential services, public health initiatives, and infrastructure improvements that promote long-term community resilience. High Springs was awarded $3,094,274 under the program.

As of Sept. 30, 2024, the City of High Springs had spent $1,956,980 of its ARPA allocation. A portion of the funds—$250,000—has been reserved for mold remediation at the fire station, and another $150,000 has been set aside for the City Manager’s Contingency Fund to address unforeseen needs. This leaves a remaining balance of $737,294 for allocation.

Marshall, working with City department heads, presented a list of 16 prioritized projects for Commission review and approval. The top five priorities included a fire truck purchase, land development code updates, lift station refurbishment, safety measures at the police department and a lift station remote communications system.

Fire truck purchase – $125,000 to pay for the fire truck outright, avoiding financing costs and reducing the city’s debt burden.

Land Development Code update – $180,000 for a necessary update to ensure zoning and development regulations reflect current city growth and infrastructure needs.

Refurbishment of two lift stations – $70,000 to improve wastewater management and infrastructure reliability.

Bulletproof glass at police department front desk – $8,000 to enhance safety and allow the front desk to remain open for public access.

SCADA Communication System for lift stations – $40,000 for implementation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and manage lift stations remotely.

Following approximately 30 minutes of discussion, Commissioners made several changes to the proposed list.

Requested replacement vehicle funds for Parks & Recreation was reduced from $30,000 to $20,000, new chairs was reduced from $5,000 to $4,000, and a city parking study was reduced from $47,294 to $10,000, with the remainder likely to be funded by the City of High Springs Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Added from the alternative projects list for $48,294 was a Vacuum Excavator Trailer, with the balance of its funding to come from another source. The vacuum excavator trailer, a piece of equipment used for digging and maintenance work, received strong support from Marshall, who emphasized its importance for City operations.

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