Wrapping up December, the Levelland City Council approved a resolution to allocate the remainder of the ARPA funds in the city’s possession.
In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law and established Coronavirus Recovery Funds to provide support for the state, local and tribal governments in responding to the impact of COVID-19. As a result, the city received $3,348,911.88 in funds.
ARPA provides that payments may be used to cover costs through four categories of eligible use: To respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts.
To respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
For the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to COVID-19.
To make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.
To replace any revenue lost as a result of the COVID-19 effects.
To date, the City has expended $2,412,533 in various items including: Employee premium pay in the amount of $62,678; The addition of three police officers and one firefighter to staff in the amount of $287,520; Infrastructure planning in the amount of $1,575.71; A broadband study and infrastructure master plan in the amount of $155,513.29; Reimbursement of the Capital Fund in the amount of $92,257; An animal control truck and bed in the amount of $101,043; A chassis for a brush truck in the amount of $131,646; A security camera system at city hall in the amount of $27,929; A seal coat in the amount of $350,000; Telecommunications consoles in the amount of $208,175; An outdoor warning notification system in the amount of $245,480; Bringing the city budget positive at the start of the 2025 Fiscal Year in the amount of $307,000; Purchasing a fire brush truck in the amount of $131,646; and The purchase of police department Dodge Durango’s in the amount of $310,000.
As of the meeting, the Council was informed there was $936,448 remaining in available fund use. It was explained that the funds were required to be encumbered by December 31 and expended by December 31, 2026.
City Manager James Fisher explained that there has been a lot of conflicting information regarding what obligation means according to the Department of Treasury. However, he felt confident the City would be able to obligate the funds into the proper categories.
In efforts to allocate the remaining ARPA funds, a list of 10 items or projects were provided to the Council with set amounts that could be expended “up to” the dollar amount listed, The list included: The allocation of up to $150,000 into the City’s annual street seal coat project to assist with the preventative maintenance of city street’s that saw excessive heavy use after the storm for debris removal, home roof repair and recovery efforts.
The allocation of up to $250,000 towards the enhancements and, or replacement for servers, computer hardware and, or software, radios, safety equipment and supplies for the police, fire, emergency management or telecommunications department.
The allocation of up to $175,000 for emergency generators to be located at the Emergency Operations Center, water and wastewater facilities, city hall, public safety buildings and the Civic Center (which can be utilized as a shelter).
The allocation of up to $150,000 to support the replacement of city vehicles and, or equipment.
The allocation of up to $125,000 for security systems with cameras at various public buildings and utility infrastructure sites.
The allocation of up to $200,000 toward the drafting of a new Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Compensation Study.
The allocation of up to $250,000 for a 300-foot guyed communications tower.
The allocation of up to $800,000 for the upgrade of the Levelland SCADA System.
The allocation of up to $100,000 for broadband, internet and infrastructure upgrades.
The allocation of up to $150,000 for the renovation, construction and purchase of public facilities.
Following the presentation of the proposed projects and allocations of ARPA funds, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2024-10.
Moving forward, the Council authorized the city’s participation in the 2025 Regional Group Seal Coat Program along with authorizing the mayor and, or city manager to execute all necessary documents.
Fisher explained that the city has participated in a regional seal coat program with several other cities in the region for several years.
By combining the group’s overall seal coat projects into a single large project, they feel they have been receiving a better price due to the larger volume.
Each year, roughly 10 cities in the region enter an interlocal agreement for said program. The program is organized by the cities engineering firm and the proper governmental procurement procedures are followed. The current budget for the city is $350,000.
The next steps were discussed regarding water meter replacement. The group considered all matters incident and related to approving and authorizing publication and posting of notice of intention to issue certificates of obligation, including the adoption of Resolution 2024-41.
The Council authorized a contract with AMERESCO earlier in the year for the installation of new digital water meters. The item presented to Council begins the financing portion of the projects so that construction can begin in early 2025. The payments to finance the dept will come from savings generated from the new meters and more accurate meter readings.
In February, Council will be presented with an ordinance authorizing issuance of the certificates. In said ordinance, there will be a clause that allows for reimbursement of any hard costs the City has incurred in the previous 60 days.
To begin the meeting, the Council approved several items within a consent agenda which allows the group to move quickly through “housekeeping” items with one motion and approval from the Council.
Action was taken on Resolution 2024-39 extending the May 29 Disaster Declaration along with the continued activation of the Levelland Emergency Management Plan.
An extension was requested as the city remains in the clean-up stage. If another extension is needed, it will take place during the January 6, 2025 meeting.
Part of the consent agenda was the second reading of Ordinance No. 1085 which prohibits smoking and other tobacco products in and around City buildings.
The ordinance would clean up existing regulations, as well as add e-cigarettes and vaping to the content. Additionally, smoking would be prohibited within 50 feet of city owned buildings.
The main concern is to keep the products away from the public that is entering the buildings, as some people may have allergic reactions and experience other issues associated with the smoke.
The ordinance stated tobacco use included smoking, chewing or dipping tobacco, as well as snuff. Lastly, the council held the second reading regarding the adoption of Ordinance No. 1086 which suspended the effective date of Atmos West Texas’ proposed rate increases. West Texas Division of Cities also recommended the suspension.
According to the document, the original rate change would be Dec. 19, but the city is authorized to suspend it by 90 days.
The agenda suspension would permit the city time to study the request and establish reasonable rates, among other actions.