Person County reviews ARPA closeout, keeps reserves for broadband and airport terminal

County administration and Finance Director Tracy Clayton presented a closeout report on Person County’s American Rescue Plan Act funds and sought board direction about funds that remain reserved for ongoing projects.

Administration said the county’s ARPA allocation totaled $7,670,470 and that the county used the revenue‑replacement option. Staff reported roughly $2.6 million in completed projects with about $3.66 million still reserved across various CIP and fund‑balance accounts. Specific items discussed included: $964,170 remaining in the broadband allocation (212 locations were reported as still unserved/underserved/unfunded), $1.5 million reserved for the Raleigh Regional Airport terminal project with about $500,000 already spent on design, $570,000 assigned for Kirby Theater bathroom/elevator components (previous bids exceeded budget), and $56,910 reserved for a mattress‑and‑tire shredder pending grant match opportunities. County administration stated, "On paper we have complied with the federal government requirements," and asked whether the board wanted to keep those funds reserved for the named projects or free them for other uses. The board directed staff to keep the broadband $964,170 reserved for now and return with a more detailed report on options; keep the airport funds designated for the terminal; proceed with Kirby projects; keep the shredder contingent on grant match pursuit; and return with budget amendments to reclassify a small leftover amount into contingency.