COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew County government has accumulated one of the largest piles of cash reserves in its history.
With a transfer of $4.23 million from the General Fund into the so-called Rainy Day Fund, Bartholomew County’s reserve account is now over $10.22 million. The transfer was unanimously approved with little discussion by the Bartholomew County Council during a regular meeting this month.
During questioning, District 1 county council candidate Dave London asked whether the transfer included any federal funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Two current council members immediately replied “No.”
Last May, the county received about $8 million in ARP funds, while an additional $8.2 million for COVID-19 relief is expected late this spring.
This month’s $4.23 million transfer represents 15% of the 2021 total budget, Bartholomew County Auditor Pia O’Connor said.
“Since I took office in January of 2019, the council has transferred available funds to the Rainy Day fund in accordance with state law,” she said.
For almost a year, Bartholomew County government has relied on Baker Tilly US, LLP – a public accounting and consulting firm – to ensure that all spending of ARP funds meet legal guidelines.
County commissioner Larry Kleinhenz said if the federal money isn’t spent according to established criteria, the county would be opening itself up to substantial penalties that might include giving the money back.
For the complete story, see Thursday’s Republic.
