Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Since 1854 — News from Montcalm County and Ionia County, Michigan
When Montcalm County officials decided to share the wealth by handing out $500,000 of the county’s $12.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to local municipalities to help with park projects, the feel-good idea seemed simple enough at the time.
However, after receiving nearly $3 million worth of requests (including asks of half a million each from two townships looking to build new township halls), commissioners are reconsidering the idea.
The debate among Montcalm County commissioners regarding how to distribute American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to local municipalities spilled over into at least two township board meetings last week.
Commissioner Chris Johnston of Crystal Township voted “no” on May 9 to approve the county’s APRA Committee recommendations regarding park money distribution. Johnston elaborated on his vote during last Wednesday’s Crystal Township Board meeting.
The Cato Township Board is spending a third of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money on replacing the roof of their meeting place, but several residents raised questions about the lack of a bid process.
