Allen County commissioners were given some clarity Tuesday on how much of their to-do list can be checked off by using federal COVID relief funds.
Lisse Regehr and Jonathan Goering with Thrive Allen County — which is administering more than $2.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds the county is receiving — presented commissioners a worksheet with rough figures on how much can be accomplished.
And while they are still awaiting cost estimates on such things as adding security measures in the courthouse, and creating a backup office for the 911 dispatch center, Regehr noted there are several projects that could be funded with the ARPA monies.
Topping the list is construction of a communications tower in central Allen County.
Regher encouraged commissioners to go ahead with the project using ARPA funds, because Thrive has been unsuccessful in securing other grants to help with the project.
The problem is because the communications tower is not dedicated to adding broadband internet access, Regehr explained, a point of emphasis across the country.
The communications tower is more for safety and communications services, Regehr said. “The grants are primarily for fiber and broadband” projects.
The project could cost as much as $969,000, although Regehr noted the actual cost would be lower. In fact, the county already has a bid from Hayden Tower service for $875,000.
Regehr said the team that looked over the to-do list intentionally overshot cost estimates to ensure the county wouldn’t be surprised by cost overruns down the road.
Also ranking high on the worksheet is improving the water service to Rural Water District No. 8, which includes Allen County Airport.
Regehr estimated such a project would cost about $640,000, but could also utilize other grant or loan monies. She also will reach out to others in the water district and from Iola to determine if either entity could be a part of the project.
Other items the county could consider, and their expected costs:
• Adding restroom facilities at three county barns ($82,000)
• Extending the county’s transportation service through June ($34,000)
• Updating restrooms in the Southwind Extension Building (7,200)
