By: Brad Flynn | Published September 25, 2023
This webpage provides the public with a full accounting of the Borough’s distribution of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The total amount of funding disbursed to the Borough was determined by a state/federal funding formula in relation to the Borough’s size and population, among other factors.
For more information regarding the established portion of the Borough’s ARPA funding, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development or the U.S. Department of Treasury.
The Borough received two payments in accordance with ARPA guidelines: Payment #1 was received on July 7, 2021, in the amount of $139,628.73. Payment #2 was received on September 9, 2022, in the amount of $140,070.20. The Borough received a total of $279,698.93 in ARPA funding.
The Borough’s full portion of ARPA funding was transferred and held in an escrow account. Borough Officials anticipated expenditures through the use of Borough General and Capital Improvement Funding. The Borough drafted its final list of expenditures in June of 2023. Especially after revisions to the U.S. Treasury Interim-Final Rules on ARPA spending were published.
The Borough then hired a Special Accountant to independently review and verify Bath’s use of ARPA funds. After review of expenses, Bath released its ARPA escrow account, transferring and replenishing the General Fund and Capital Improvement Funds.
Bath’s ARPA escrow account is now closed. All ARPA funds have been expended as follows:
Summary of ARPA Spending
Bath’s ARPA funding was, in large part, spent on communications, infrastructure improvements and the provision of government services, in accordance with the Act.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION & AUTOMATION (PROVISION OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES)
The Borough used 20.2% of ARPA funding to upgrade and automate citizens services through a web-based platform. In doing so, it has significantly improved public communication and operations, allowing the Borough to operate with a reduced staff, even in the event of another public health emergency. Bath is able to carry out many government functions it would normally perform from the walk-up foyer, now through an online portal. The portal allows residents to create and submit permit applications and to make payments online. The portal generates emails between the Borough and an applicant letting them know the status of their submissions.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS (PROVISION OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES)
To further improve public communications, 16.2% of the ARPA funding was used to provide the community with a public messaging video sign board. The video board is located at Borough Hall, southwest corner of the lot, along heavily traveled State Route 512/Walnut Street. The messaging board is used for community alerts, listing events, and advertising public meetings.
CAPITAL REPAIRS & REPLACEMENT PROJECTS (PROVISION OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES)
Nearly half of the ARPA funding, 46.2%, was used to repair and ultimately replace two municipally owned building roofs.
The first roof replaced was the Public Works building roof. That roof exceeded its 30-year life span and was in disrepair leading to interior water leaks into the Fire Department side of the building.
The second roof, (after initial repair of $7,700, then ultimately replace after storm damage) occurred to the municipal building. Here again, the roof exceeded its 30-year life span, underwent two repairs since 2018 and then was damaged by high winds in several spots that caused interior water leaks.
These projects came with a total cost of $129,253.00 of which ARPA funds replaced the use of general tax revenues.
PUBLIC SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS (PROVISION OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES)
Another $45,497.84 was spent (16.3%) from ARPA in providing park and municipal building security. Much of this was in response to a rash of ongoing public park vandalisms and damages. Increased video surveillance within the Borough’s park system has led to the arrest of criminals and restitution of damages.
These projects included electrical and communications upgrades, surveillance camera installation and an intercom/controlled entry system for the municipal building.
ARPA ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT (PROVISION OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES)
Finally, 1.1% of ARPA was used for administrative and oversight purposes. The Borough hired a special accountant to review the Borough’s ARPA expenditures and assist the Borough with preparing final U.S. Treasury ARPA Funding expense reports. The Borough’s final report with the U.S. Treasury will be filed in April 2024. The Borough’s full ARPA Expense Report is provided below.
