Commission responds to questions about ARPA funds documentation

 

Page 40 of the official report of an independent audit of Bates county performed by Daniel Jones & Associates indicates that required financial and performance reports have never been submitted to the U.S. Treasury via the Missouri Department of Treasury regarding ARPA money received two years ago.

Amid concerns that the 3.14 million dollars, or a portion of, would have to be paid back due to the lack of providing said paperwork, Mid America Live met with the Bates county commissioners for an explanation.

“First I want to point out that no money is missing” said Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley “and we have until end of the year to finish everything up”.

Wheatley was referencing the fact that according to ARPA rules, local governments (the commission)  have until December 31st 2024 to disburse the funds and those receiving them have until December 31st, 2026 to spend it.

The commission assured that receipts for money spent are in hand and as always, if anyone has questions for the commissioners, their door is always open.