IOWA CITY

Time is beginning to wind down on Johnson County’s plans for the disbursement of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, per federal requirements.

Allison Wells, Grants Manager, told the Johnson County Board of Supervisors at its Nov. 15 work session that $7.96 million in obligations have been reported to the U.S. Treasury. The county received more than $29 million in ARPA funds and plans for that spending must be obligated by June 30, 2024.

ARPA funds must be fully spent by the end of 2026.

Wells said county department managers should include ARPA obligations and spending in their Fiscal Year 2025 budget requests, a process that will begin in December.

A number of ARPA projects are ongoing in Johnson County. There is a wide range of projects, including $3.4 million for improvements at Kent Park, $3 million for affordable child care programs, $2 million for an already executed direct assistance program and $1.8 million for general assistance expansion.

In the midst of budget requests and discussions, Wells and the ARPA leadership team will provide another update to the Board of Supervisors in February, perhaps a month before the FY25 county budget is finalized.

HR Director passes

Lora (Kloubec) Shramek, who had been director of Johnson County’s Human Resources department since 1998, died Nov. 6 at her home in Amana.

“Lora will be sorely missed,” Supervisor Rod Sullivan said.

“She was loved,” said Supervisor Royceann Porter.

A memorial mass was held Nov. 11 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford.

Ines Beltre, Johnson County Employment Manager, was named interim HR Director.

Oak Crest Hill Speeds

At its Nov. 16 formal session, the Board approved establishing a speed limit of 55 miles per hour on Oak Crest Hill Road SE north and south of Hills.

The Hills City Council has elected to drop that speed limit to 35 mph within the boundaries of the city.

Board Action

The Board approved an amendment to an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resource Investigations, increasing the USGS cost-share contribution by $53,400. The total cost of the four-year project has been adjusted to $517,100. Johnson County is contributing $310,700.

The Board designated Dec. 26 as the floating Christmas holiday for county staff.

Next meeting: The Board’s next formal session is at 9 a.m. Nov. 30.