Spirit Lake City Council may reconsider ARPA decision

SPIRIT LAKE — The Spirit Lake City Council may be reconsidering its decision earlier this year to reject more than half a million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The council has scheduled a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall "to consider any and all public comments" on ARPA money.

A "decision on ARPA funds" could be made, according to an email from City Clerk Michelle Wharton.

There hasn't been a public outcry protesting the council's decision. Wharton said she has received one email that was against accepting the federal money.

The City Council unanimously turned down $544,838 in ARPA money at a special meeting on April 19.

Councilmembers expressed concerns about terms and conditions said to be connected with the funds and had many questions and doubts.

They said it was difficult to understand all the stipulations in the more than 1,000 pages outlining the conditions of accepting the money.

The cities of Coeur d'Alene, Hayden and Post Falls and Kootenai County voted to accept the ARPA money.

Written comments must be submitted at City Hall by July 11, or by email at cityclerk@spiritlakeid.gov.

The American Rescue Plan Act was passed by the Biden Administration in March 2021. The $1.9 trillion stimulus was intended to alleviate economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.