County OKs ARPA funds for repairs, updates
BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County commissioners approved the use of $25,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for locating and mapping Mission Creek Water Association water lines.
Mission Creek Water Association waterline needs repairs to the 74-year-old system with 27 connections, including one at Mt. Hall Elementary. However before repairs can be made, officials have decided that the line needs to be located and mapped.
Mission Creek, a tributary of the Kootenai River in the Copeland area, is one of the 16 water systems in Boundary County. Approximately 8,875 people are served by the county’s water systems.
At the Dec. 19 commissioners meeting, Boundary County School District 101 Superintendent Jan Bayer said Mt. Hall Elementary has its own osmosis water system and follows the Department of Environmental Quality’s regulations and their tests come out clean. When there is a boil order within the water association due to a report of E. coli, the school follows DEQ regulations even if the water test is clean.
Mt. Hall has added a similar system to the water fountains at the gym. The system costs $1,800 annual upkeep, Bayer said.
Bayer said the school knows their water is safe and the district tests within DEQ requirements, but BCSD has no obligation to the maintenance of the Mission Creek Water association waterline.
Boundary County received a total of $2,378,448 in ARPA funds. As of Dec. 26, 2022, the commissioners have designated just under $1,300,000 in ARPA funds.
The commissioners have approved the use of ARPA money to repair and update county structures and first responder equipment.
Below is a list of ARPA spending or earmarked funds for purchases and the corresponding county department.
For the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, a maximum of $85,432 for a diesel generator, install and ground and prep work. HVAC symptom on the roof of the sheriff/jail facility quoted at $65,900. A sallyport, or carport, for the Boundary County Jail for the purpose of loading and unloading inmates to the jail, estimated at $5,760. In addition, a diesel generator for the county annex in cost and installation not exceeding $85,432.
BCSO and commissioners are also looking to purchase 12 handheld radios, with an estimated cost of $33,091.84.
On Jan. 10, commissioners discussed using ARPA dollars for repairs to the county simulcast radio system, which is used by fire districts. No motion nor decisions were made.
Remodeling of the former North Idaho College building into county offices, totaled $60,480. The building will be used as office space for Boundary County Economic Council, University of Idaho Extension Office and the Weeds Department. Discussion and quotes for adding a fiber internet connection to the building is ongoing. Modification of existing cabinets at the proposed new Extension Office totaling $10,978 using ARPA funds.
In the resolution approving ARPA funds for the Boundary Volunteer Ambulance, commissioners wrote the it is the “best interest of general public of Boundary County” to purchase the following equipment for the Boundary Volunteer Ambulance, Inc., as the providers for the county are overwhelmed with additional costs of dealing with COVID-related issues and have nearly exhausted their budget.
Through the use of ARPA dollars the commissioners approved the purchase of an ambulance at $186,792, cardiac monitor costing $23,200.78 and a powerlift costing $24,162.20 for the Boundary Volunteer Ambulance.
In addition, health care system equipment and necessary items for application of medications was put aside for Restorium residents for the amount of $9,392.82,
The pool at the city of Bonners Ferry operating costs will be paid by the county. Due to the city budget shortfall and need to cut expenses, the county is covering the $80,000 operating cost of the city pool for the 2023 season. Officials said the pool should remain open to provide community safety.
The Solid Waste Department will also receive roll-off containers through the use of ARPA dollars.