BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Starke City Commissioners had more than $834,000 of federal aid left to spend Sept. 20, and it went quickly.
Concerned Citizens of Bradford County will receive $200,000 of the remaining funds for much needed repairs to the RJE gymnasium. This is contingent on the city’s appeal for a CDBG grant which was denied for the project.
Some on the commission were concerned about the construction bidding process and whether this would be enough money to complete the project. In truth, President Alica McMillian told the board, even with $500,000 of ARPA funds contributed by the county, the total may not be enough to accomplish everything given the high cost of materials and labor.
The city and county contribution together should, however, be enough to repair the failing roof, which has led to other internal problems. She said fundraising and other grant prospects could address floor resurfacing, modernizing bleachers, etc.
McMillian said architect Paul Stressing, who has worked on Bradford’s new school project as well as the RJE gym, discussed the possibility of the Concerned Citizens piggybacking on the school’s bid or bids from other recreational projects.
The commission approved the allocation to Concerned Citizens 4-1, with Commissioner Danny Nugent dissenting. He said he wanted to hear other groups’ requests first.
There was certainly a line, including a local masonic group. Dr. W.L. Perry Jr. requested $20,000. In addition to assisting families with afterschool program fees and holiday baskets and toys, he said the lodge wanted to sponsor a Miss Juneteenth pageant.
But before the commission took community requests, it voted on a $150,000 request from the city clerk for new accounting software and a $400,000 allocation for a yet-to-be designed City Walk project that would enhance the Downtown Square. Commissioner Scott Roberts said enhancing this area downtown would benefit all of Bradford County. The ARPA funds are providing many municipalities an opportunity to take on projects they wouldn’t normally be able to afford, he said.
Dr. Virgil Berry said the project would extend from the square through downtown to beautify the areas in the shadow of the railroad overpass. It would not only attract more visitors but new businesses and jobs, he said.
The commission voted in favor of the software and City Walk requests. That left just over $84,000 to split among the rest, not nearly enough to fund the various requests.
Michael Heeder, organizer of the Starke Splash Bash, asked for $9,500 to support an expansion plan that could double visitors to 10,000 at next year’s July event. This would be in addition to the city’s contribution toward the fireworks show, which amounted to $10,000 this year.
Chrissy Allen spoke on behalf of the Bradford County Education Foundation, and the requests included $16,000 in matching funds for an annual grant that supports their work. They are also hoping to raise $40,000 to help purchase supplementary Chromebooks for Bradford Middle School.
Cindy DeValerio from Communities in Schools requested funds for program expansion, additional scholarships, supplies and technology upgrades. CIS asked for $100,000, but DeValerio said they would be grateful for any contribution. Pressed for a specific amount, she requested the remaining $84,000.
Sherry Ruszkowski from The Arc of Bradford County asked for $35,000 in relief while they work to save their operation. The state wants Arc to transfer its disabled workers from the workshop, Sunshine Industries, into community placement. Arc will be stripped of training funds as well as a supplementary source of income for its already underfunded operation.
Jimmy Clark from the Tornado Touchdown Club asked for just under $25,000 to help fund improvements to the football locker room, which was built in 1967 and remains without heating or air. Plans include replacing the lockers, which have been there since 1984.
It seems likely that the commission will vote to divide the remaining funds equally among these requests, but it will not do so before its Oct. 18 meeting. Commissioners will discuss the allocations more at the scheduled 5:30 p.m. workshop and hear from their attorney whether the requests meet federal and municipal public purpose requirements.
Additional requests for ARPA funding will not be heard.
