Clay Executive Introduces Initial Spending Plan For ARP Money

Clay County starting the process on its spending plan on some $1.4 million of American Rescue Plan money.

County Executive Dale Reagan created a suggested list that he has shared with the county commission. Reagan said he has included expenditures for emergency services, solid waste and parks.

“Just about everything I mentioned there is somethings that we absolutely need,” Reagan said. “We just ain’t even been able to afford them, and this gives us an opportunity to do some of that like helping our volunteer fire departments and rescue squads and stuff out more so than we’ve been able to do in the past.”

Reagan said he would like to see equipment upgrades for emergency workers as well as a new ambulance for EMS and disinfecting spray backpacks. Reagan said the plan also includes walking trail improvements at Hermitage Springs Park and faculty upgrades at the Maple Grove Community Center.

Reagan said he also included money for improvements at the fairgrounds and county library. Reagan said a portion could also be used for the county’s match on ongoing grant projects.

Reagan said the plan will be reviewed by county commissioners for several weeks. Reagan said changes may come as the list was an initial proposal.

“That’s a guess you might say a wish list that I gave before the county commission and gave them an opportunity to look at it,” Reagan said. “We’ll all seat down at the table and use this money in a wise way.”