While no decision has been made as of yet, City of Cadiz officials are currently debating what should be done with funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.
During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, multiple avenues were openly discussed among members about where the money could go. At this time, Cadiz has its first federal payment of more than $345,000 in an interest-bearing account, and a matching payment is due in August. Last week, the city received a $1,200 residual check to add into that cache.
At the top of Mayor Todd King’s list, and perhaps the councils, is the potential purchase of the old CeeBee/IGA grocery parking lot — which over the years has become dilapidated and vacant.
Near the intersection of KY 139 and Main Street, King, City Clerk Barbie Johnson, councilman Brian Futrell and councilwoman Susie Hendricks elaborated on what the city could do with such a space — which is currently comprised of three lots and in serious need of infrastructure development.
Hendricks noted that if the Trigg County Chamber of Commerce Leadership class doesn’t get its matching grant for the Farmer’s Market roof, she’d like to allocate $20,000 of these ARPA funds for radiant heat. King said either way, that’s already going to be handled by the city.
Johnson listed a number of other possible avenues. City payroll can be addressed. Two police cruisers have already been purchased, as well, and this money can pay back to the city’s general fund.
For the first time in 25 years, Cadiz Police Chief Duncan Wiggins is looking to change the color scheme of the unit’s fleet, and these funds can assist there, as well.
A new roof, a new HVAC unit and some fire engine repairs could also be in the works for the Cadiz Fire Department if manageable. The water main break near Little River cost the city more than $106,000 to replace, and Johnson said that, too, could potentially be covered with these ARPA funds.
The overarching theme of these discussions comes down to the fact that the City of Cadiz, and other local governmental bodies, have a great list of projects they’d like to see come to fruition. And Johnson said lots of areas need attention.
In January, the Kentucky League of Cities described a “final rule” from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, stating ARPA funds for cities could be used to replace lost public sector revenue, create public health and economic impacts, provide premium pay, and focus on water/sewer/broadband infrastructure.
In June 2021, the Trigg County Fiscal Court announced it would be devoting a considerable amount of its ARPA allotment — which totals more than $2.8 million — to improving rural broadband internet infrastructure.
