The Boone County Committee of the Whole - Finance meeting held on July 17, 2025, focused on financial updates and project discussions, particularly regarding the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and the health department administrative campus project.

The meeting commenced with a report on the ARPA funds, revealing that approximately 61% of the allocated funds have been spent, primarily on the McKinley project and courthouse renovations. The remaining balance stands at just over $4 million, with an additional $665,000 accrued in interest. Officials confirmed that the funds must be utilized by the end of 2026, with expectations to complete spending by the end of this year.

Following the financial overview, the committee discussed the health department administrative campus project. Randy Darnell from CCS presented a list of proposed deductions from the project contract, resulting from a value engineering process aimed at reducing costs. The deductions are estimated to save over $200,000, with assurances that the final amount will not fall below $150,000. Notably, the list does not include the removal of a multipurpose room, which would incur an additional cost reduction of $250,000 if approved.

The committee engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the implications of these deductions, clarifying that certain items could not be considered simultaneously with the removal of the multipurpose room. The consensus among committee members was positive, acknowledging the efforts made to reduce costs while maintaining project integrity.

As the meeting concluded, it was noted that the finalized list of deductions would be presented to the accounting board for approval by the end of the month, ensuring that the project remains on track and within budget. The discussions highlighted the committee's commitment to fiscal responsibility and effective project management in Boone County.