Human Resources, Finance, and Property Committee Seeks Input on Utilization of American Rescue Plan Funding

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The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, also known as ARPA, was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. This $1.9 trillion package is intended to help combat the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As part of this package, $362 billion was designated for state and local fiscal recovery funds. In total, counties will receive $65.1 billion in direct aid with funds allocated based on the county’s share of the U.S. population. 

Photo courtesy of the National Association of Counties.

Locally, Marathon County will receive $26.3+ million with an equal amount distributed to municipalities within the county. The Human Resources, Finance, and Property Committee, a standing committee of the Marathon County Board of Supervisors, will be responsible for the oversight of the funds received by Marathon County. Additional information on acceptable and prohibited uses of the ARPA funds can be found here. 

Here’s where we need your help!

We know the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are widespread and have likely affected people’s lives in different ways. As a result, the Human Resources, Finance, and Property Committee is seeking public input to help identify local uses of these funds. Citizen input may be provided to the committee via in-person and online methods. 

The final in-person listening session will be held on Tuesday, August 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Hatley Public Library.

To access the online feedback form, click here.

Comments may also be submitted through Friday, August 20 on the Marathon County website. 

Citizens will be asked to provide comments addressing the following questions at the listening sessions or when completing the online form: 

  • What economic impacts have you witnessed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic? What would it look like to address these items? 
  • What does economic recovery look like to you? 
  • What opportunity is there to partner with other local municipalities to address these issues? 
  • What criteria should be considered as we evaluate proposals for use of these funds? 

Following the completion of the listening sessions and closure of the online form, the Human Resources, Finance, and Property Committee will review the submissions and work to formulate a plan this fall to be reviewed by the County Board. 

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