Spirit Lake City Council may reconsider ARPA decison
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 5 months AGO
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | July 12, 2022 1:00 AM
SPIRIT LAKE — The Spirit Lake City Council may be reconsidering its decision earlier this year to reject more than half a million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The council has scheduled a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall "to consider any and all public comments" on ARPA money.
A "decision on ARPA funds" could be made, according to an email from City Clerk Michelle Wharton.
There hasn't been a public outcry protesting the council's decision. Wharton said she has received one email that was against accepting the federal money.
The City Council unanimously turned down $544,838 in ARPA money at a special meeting on April 19.
Councilmembers expressed concerns about terms and conditions said to be connected with the funds and had many questions and doubts.
They said it was difficult to understand all the stipulations in the more than 1,000 pages outlining the conditions of accepting the money.
The cities of Coeur d'Alene, Hayden and Post Falls and Kootenai County voted to accept the ARPA money.
Written comments must be submitted at City Hall by July 11, or by email at [email protected].
The American Rescue Plan Act was passed by the Biden Administration in March 2021. The $1.9 trillion stimulus was intended to alleviate economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARTICLES BY BILL BULEY
Companions Animal Center has adopted out nearly 2,000 dogs, cats in 2025
Companions Animal Center has adopted out nearly 2,000 dogs, cats in 2025
As if to prove it, signs on two kennel doors proclaim “I have been adopted! I’m currently waiting to be picked up by my new parents.” One is a timid black mastiff. But the shelter remains crowded. Monday, it has about 50 large dogs filling kennels, including in the new wing oped this year, and there is still a four-month waiting list with names of about 80 dogs that people are looking to surrender pets.
Post Falls man named director of ministry with global reach
Post Falls man named director of ministry with global reach
Grassi, a longtime hunter and fisherman, started what was originally called “Let’s Go Fishing Ministry, Inc.” with a focus on outdoors, men and God. It was later changed to “Men’s Ministry Catalyst." The emphasis was on helping men understand their role as defined in the Bible.
Nonprofit foundation helps family become homeowners for first time
Nonprofit foundation helps family become homeowners for first time
The Young Family’s Foundation launched about a year ago with a mission "to empower young, hardworking families to achieve the dream of home ownership. Even if a family saved $25,000, they would still be $19,000 short of the down payment needed to buy a $550,000 home, which is the median price in Kootenai County. It’s estimated that only about 20% of area households can afford to buy a home.