The LaSalle County Finance Committee used part of its Nov. 4 session to review remaining American Rescue Plan (ARP) allocations and the status of open ordinances that govern how ARP money can be used.

A staff member said there is "roughly $9,495,000 of their debt allocation for equipment like beds and Hoyer lifts" and that he would confirm whether those allocations appear in the nursing-home budget and whether the amounts match the ARP budget ordinances. Committee members discussed that some ordinances might not spend all allocated funds and that money from open ordinances could be transferred to other ARP-eligible ordinances, but funds cannot be transferred out of ordinances that have already been closed.

The committee also discussed a Salvation Army project (identified by staff as a grantee with an ongoing contract) that has money remaining and where staff had been unable to contact the recipient to confirm intended use. Members suggested staff work with Sharon and other ordinance managers to confirm whether the Salvation Army or other grantees can move funds within an open ordinance or whether a change to the ordinance will be required to allow use for food distribution or equipment purchases.

The committee directed staff to follow up and report back as they seek to finalize ARP allocations before the end of the fiscal allocation period.