Johnson County authorizes ARPA payments to Rio Vista for wastewater-plant expansion

Johnson County Commissioners on April 27 approved an amendment to the countys subrecipient agreement with the City of Rio Vista and authorized the auditor to process ARPA-funded payments of up to $1,926,787.30 for engineering services and eligible equipment tied to the Rio Vista wastewater treatment plant expansion.

County staff said the amendment rebalances budget lines (shifting certain amounts from equipment to professional services) without increasing the overall project allocation and allows the county to prepay invoices as they arrive, rather than waiting to reimburse Rio Vista. The county judge explained prepayment would help the small municipality avoid floating large invoices while awaiting reimbursement.

"That piecewe've been working for 6 months," the judge said, describing the rebalancing and the need to ensure invoice flow. Auditors Office staff and county leadership said the change does not alter the project total but authorizes earlier disbursement timing subject to receipt and review of required documentation.

Supporters said the change preserves ARPA compliance while helping Rio Vista meet project milestones; the motion carried unanimously.

The court asked the auditor's office to monitor compliance with ARPA requirements and provide supporting documentation before funds are released. The approved authorization directs the auditor to process payments in accordance with the second amendment and contingent on required paperwork.