Enter into interlocal agreement for road repair or bail out Sheriff's Department? Scott County leaders hold joint meeting to discuss remaining ARPA funds

The Scott County Commissioners and the County Council convened in a joint meeting to discuss the allocation of the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. With a December 31, 2024 deadline for allocation, the urgency to strategically direct the remaining financial resources has become a focal point for county leaders.

Currently $1,868,261.21 of ARPA funds remain available. However, this total does not account for $163,724 already allocated for the purchase of two trucks and a Durango for the Sheriff's Department. Once these payments are deducted, the remaining balance stands at $1,704,487.21. Additionally, $600,000 has been set aside for the purchase of City Hall, leaving $1,104,487.21 available for further allocation. Approximately $400,000 of that may be allotted for renovations to City Hall after purchase, which drops the remaining funds to just over $705,000.

During the meeting, discussion included updates on resolutions previously submitted, such as a plan involving equipment purchases if Scott County should enter into an interlocal agreement with Jefferson County. That agreement includes Jefferson County purchasing two pieces of equipment, with Scott County purchasing one valued at $410,000. The equipment would be used to chipseal roads, thus saving thousands of dollars for the county. This cooperative approach is aimed at efficiently sharing resources and costs between the two counties.

Commissioners highlighted the importance of acquiring essential equipment for infrastructure projects, while County Council brought up concerns about the Sheriff's Department shortfall of over $500,000.

The County Council recently made the significant decision to cut $2million from the Sheriff's $3 million annual budget, leaving Sheriff Jerry Goodin with the challenge of maintaining public safety with just one-third of his usual funding. This decision comes amidst allegations that Goodin has overspent by more than $500,000, primarily due to unbudgeted part-time deputies and excessive overtime expenses, despite repeated budgetary warnings from County President J.R. Ward.

Sheriff Goodin has stated that a folder of unpaid bills totaling over $75,000 remains, with key expenses such as the electric bill for the jail and healthcare bills going unpaid for months. Goodin has consistently requested $5 million annually to run the department-a figure representing a quarter of the county's entire budget. Concerns among county residents are growing as they question the potential impacts on community safety and local employment due to the downsizing of the Sheriff's Department's staff. The budget cuts are set to take effect in 2025.

County leaders are now faced with determining how to address the Sheriff's Department's financial shortfall. Following this initial meeting, a subsequent session has been scheduled for Thursday, November 14, at 6 p.m. at the Scott County Courthouse, Room 128, to continue discussions and seek solutions.

County leaders emphasized the need for prompt action to prevent any unspent funds from being returned to the federal government. The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts and careful consideration required to allocate the remaining ARPA funds effectively and transparently for community benefit.