Madison County awards ARPA financial-services contract, approves insurance renewals and grant appropriations

Madison County’s Board on July 21 approved several finance and grant actions, including a contract to provide financial services for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) administration and a package of insurance and maintenance renewals.

The Board authorized contracting with Ernst & Young LLP for ARPA financial services at a price not to exceed $500,850; the resolution says the firm will assist Madison County in managing and administering ARPA funds and ensuring federal compliance for the August 2021–July 2022 term. Members discussed funding sources for ARPA and the role of outside consultants in grant compliance and reporting.

Finance committee items adopted included multiple immediate emergency appropriations to the Madison County Child Advocacy Center: a $97,183 amendment to a VOCA grant with $17,640 county match (total $114,823); a $15,000 grant from Alton Woman’s Home Association; $25,000 from Friends of the CAC; and $7,500 from the Norman J. Stupp Foundation. The committee also approved a $20,000 Family Violence Prevention Coordinating Council grant for awareness and resources.

The Board renewed the USL Financials maintenance agreement for the Auditor’s Office ($38,970.08), purchased an insurance package covering excess liability, property, earthquake and cyber liability for a combined $746,020, and approved an ordinance revising sheriff fees (Ordinance 2021-04) effective Aug. 1, 2021.

Other approved contracts included maintenance renewals for the STARCOM 21 radio system ($68,076) and New World CAD for 911 ($174,430.36); the Board recorded roll-call approvals for the finance items and ordinances in the minutes.

County leaders said the expenditures will be paid from a mix of FY2021 budget funds and ARPA funding where appropriate; details on long-term budget impacts were discussed in committee and will be part of future budget work.