“ARPA funds were a significant boon to County finances during the most challenging period of COVID-19,” said County Comptroller March Gallagher. “I am pleased to be able to bring this level of transparency to how these funds were used. These resources allowed the County to support local businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities, while also advancing several important County initiatives. However, some of these funds were also used to create new positions and launch programs that carry ongoing financial obligations. While ARPA dollars initially shielded taxpayers from these costs, the long-term responsibility for sustaining these positions and programs will ultimately fall to County taxpayers. Ulster County and its subrecipients now must work to fully expend the remaining $6.4 million to ensure that none of these funds are returned to the U.S. Treasury, especially as the County faces federal cuts and an uncertain economy.”
Review of Ulster County’s American Rescue Plan Act Funding
