Conservation seeks supervisors’ approval on ARPA funds

     Last fall, the Jones County Board of Supervisors narrowed down their list of priorities concerning the spending of $4 million in ARPA money. One of those priorities was helping to fund a master plan for Central Park.

   During the April 11 board meeting, Conservation Director Brad Mormann informed the supervisors that they were ready to start the planning process.

   He said during the April 10 Conservation Board meeting, their board reviewed RFPs (requests for proposals) to assist with the planning. The bids ranged from $27,500 on the low end to $81,000 on the high end.

   “We can put a committee together to review the selections,” Mormann said of project priorities.

   Going with the low bid, Mormann said he’s aware that it’ll increase depending on additional work that is added throughout the process. This could include a countywide survey and 3-D renderings “to better sell this to the community.”

   Mormann added that the high bid seems like a lot; the low bid “fits with what we need.”

   Mormann visited with the supervisors during the public comment portion of their meeting. Concerning the use of ARPA funding, the board will need to take formal action and approve a resolution specifically for this purpose.

   “I initially brought it to you during the budget,” Mormann noted. “I didn’t know the specific steps (needed to approve).”

   Supervisor Jeff Swisher also asked if they could review the RFPs and the specifications the Conservation Board sent out.

   “We need to be in the loop because we’re using ARPA money,” Swisher said.

   Mormann offered to send all documents to the board members.

   If the county is not wanting to spend ARPA funds toward the Central Park master plan, Mormann noted the Conservation Board would have to look for funding elsewhere to carry out the project.