UCDD Director meets with County Commission to discuss uses for ARP ACT Funds

October 20, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

How should DeKalb County spend its $3.9 million allocation in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act?

That was on the minds of the county commission and county mayor during a workshop meeting held Tuesday evening at the county complex. Mark Farley, Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Development District and Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency spoke at the meeting to provide some guidance and to answer questions on possible uses of the funds to mitigate the community’s challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under ARP guidelines, the county is allowed to draw down half the money this year for projects or programs after March 3, 2021 when the ARP Act was signed into law.

“The money has to be obligated by December 31, 2024 and completely expended by the end of 2026,” said Farley.

In addition to the county’s allocation, the school district and the municipalities are getting their own share of ARP funding.

“There are really three or four ways to spend this money and those have a lot of flexibility. Money can be spent on things regarding economic or safety aspects affected by COVID-19. In some cases building projects may be allowed that expands distancing. Money can be used to reward essential employees who have worked throughout this period of time when there was a lot of uncertainty. They can be rewarded for their due diligence in coming to work. Funds may be directed to address mental health issues and high rates of suicide or other health care concerns. Money could be put toward benefitting senior citizens and non-profit groups. Broadband along with water and sewer projects could be funded which would be very beneficial to DeKalb County,” said Farley.

Asked if the county’s share of ARP funding could be put toward a new school or jail project, Farley said its possible but not a given. “Schools have their own pot of money with strings attached to that. Funds could possibly be put toward a new school building if it affects distancing and creates more space to spread students out but the money would have to be spent within the time constraints,” he said.

“Jails are a little tricky. You have to document what has happened with COVID. If they have had a wing shut down at the jail and that has caused massive overcrowding in part of it, that is something that should be looked at. If they are just increasing their capacity because crime is up that would not apply,” he said.

Farley admonished the county mayor and commission to identify priorities and levels of funding each should receive.

“You have a unique opportunity to make a huge impact on the future of DeKalb County with how you spend this money if you are strategic about it. Most communities will be able to put in place two or three different projects that will be talked about 30, 40, 50 years down the road. This is what you need to be thinking about. How do we impact future generations,” said Farley.

Farley added that while a final ruling has not yet come down on everything that qualifies for the funding, the federal government has been flexible on some things.

“In every step that they have released guidance they have loosened the restrictions. We are encouraged thinking that when that final rule comes there are some things today that we don’t think qualify that may be eligible at that point. We just don’t know what that is and to what degree,” said Farley.

October 20, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb Prevention Coalition invites the community to take a visible stand against drug abuse by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31.

The Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week with the message to choose a healthy lifestyle.

This year’s theme is “Drug Free Looks Like Me”!

Red Ribbon Week is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs.

To help promote Red Ribbon Week, the community is urged to display red ribbons on your mailboxes or outside doors and to support “Wear Red Day”, October 26 or another more convenient day. Be sure to snap a picture of your group and post it to your facebook page to raise awareness and please tag DeKalb Prevention Coalition and also use #RedRibbon, #DEARedRibbon) If you have an outside sign, post this year’s theme on it for the week. The DeKalb Prevention Coalition will supply the Schools with red ribbons for the mailbox and prizes for the in school activities.

In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice.

The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities.

October 19, 2021
By:

Center Hill Lake agent Tony Luna was honored with the Big Wave Award for his achievements in real estate at Lake Homes Realty’s 8th Annual National Agent Summit, held October 12 – 14, 2021. The Big Wave Award is given to agents with total transaction volume of $10 million or more between Sept. 1, 2020 and August 21, 2021. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Lake Homes Realty is the nation’s largest lake-focused real estate company.

“Tony continues to impress with his hard work and dedication, year after year, and we are proud to present him with this major award,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. “The Big Wave Award is one of our company’s most prestigious honors,” Phillips said. “Agents like Tony are why Lake Homes Realty is one of the fastest-growing companies in the country.”

Luna was also recognized for his outstanding effort and performance by receiving a Premier Agent designation, which names him among the brokerage’s top producers.

About Lake Homes Realty
Lake Homes Realty is the nation’s largest lake-focused real estate company. Lake Homes Realty provides full-service, multi-state real estate brokerage services in 34 states and growing. LakeHomes.com has more than 70,000 lake properties listed, totaling $30 billion. Inc. Magazine has ranked Lake Homes Realty as one of the fastest-growing companies for the past five years. For more on Tony Luna and Lake Homes Realty, visit www.lakehomes.com.

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