St. Joseph council removes one-time-only restriction on ARPA nonprofit awards, approves $150,000 program

The St. Joseph City Council on Nov. 27 amended and approved a resolution to make up to $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds available to eligible nonprofit organizations, removing a proposed restriction that would have barred organizations that previously received city ARPA money from receiving another award.

Council returned to Item 23 after taking up other consent business. Clerk read the resolution establishing intent to distribute up to $150,000 in ARPA funds and the proposed amendment to Section 2, which would strike language limiting eligibility to organizations that have not already received ARPA funds from the city. After a short council discussion about the work-session intent and whether repeat awards should be allowed, the amendment passed on an electronic roll-call vote, 7–2. The full amended resolution then passed 8–1 on final vote. Council members clarified that individual allocations would still be presented to and approved by the council on a case-by-case basis.

The council record shows the amendment was intended to permit the possibility of additional awards to organizations that previously received city ARPA funds; it does not appropriate money for specific groups. The resolution establishes parameters for distribution and sets a maximum pool of $150,000. The clerk and council confirmed that allocations will return for council review and approval before funds are disbursed.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing on this item. The council did not identify specific nonprofit recipients during the meeting; awards and eligible recipients were not specified on the record and would be determined through the application and council-review process.

What happens next: The council’s action authorizes the city to consider awards up to the $150,000 total; specific grants or awards will be presented to the council for approval in future meetings.