City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION
OF THE REVISED AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
(ARPA) BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
Whereas, by letter dated December 23, 2024, the Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon has requested legislation authorizing the adoption of the revised ARPA Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, as outlined in Exhibit A. The allocations in this budget are intended to ensure compliance with federal requirements while addressing critical needs such as public health, housing, economic recovery, and infrastructure improvements; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our residents and community, requiring immediate and long-term financial resources to address public health, economic recovery, and infrastructure needs; and
Whereas, the federal government enacted the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to provide emergency funding to state and local governments to respond to the pandemic and its negative economic impacts; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon was allocated ARPA funds to support critical community programs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development initiatives, and is committed to the transparent, responsible, and timely use of these funds; and
Whereas, the City is required to oblige all ARPA funds by December 31, 2024, and therefore seeks to revise the ARPA Budget to reflect updated priorities and ensure compliance with federal guidelines; and
Whereas, the revised allocations were developed based on an assessment of community needs, stakeholder input, and a commitment to equitable distribution of resources; and
Whereas, the Honorable City Council has reviewed and supported these revisions as a necessary step to address the evolving needs of the Mount Vernon community; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Adoption of Revised ARPA Budget. The revised ARPA Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, as outlined in Exhibit A, is hereby adopted. The allocations in this budget are intended to ensure compliance with federal requirements while addressing critical needs such as public health, housing, economic recovery, and infrastructure improvements.
Section 2. Appropriation of Funds. The Comptroller of the City of Mount Vernon is authorized and directed to appropriate ARPA funds consistent with the allocations outlined in the Revised ARPA Budget. All expenditures must adhere to federal regulations governing ARPA funds.
Section 3. Reporting and Accountability. The City Comptroller, in collaboration with relevant City departments, shall provide quarterly updates to the City Council regarding the status of ARPA fund obligations and expenditures. All updates shall include detailed reporting on the use of funds and progress toward achieving budget objectives.
Section 4. Compliance and Amendments. All programs and projects funded through the Revised ARPA Budget must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to reporting, recordkeeping, and expenditure deadlines. The City Council reserves the right to amend this ordinance or the budget to reflect changes in community needs or funding requirements.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.