Finance Team Wages & Benefits
In order to ensure that ARPA funding is being used in accordance with federal regulations, the City has hired staff to manage the administration of and compliance reporting for the ARPA program. Expenses related to program compliance is considered an eligible expense under the Treasury’s ‘Final Rule’. All spending data for this expense will be reported as they occur over time
Legal and Administrative Costs after 12/31/2026
This is an estimate of the amount needed for close out costs and other legal and administrative expenses the City of Lowell will incur after the 12/31/2026 program deadline.
Dashboard Transparency Project
This platform is meant to keep the public informed about Lowell's spending of ARPA funds, by providing the public a means to view the projects that are being supported through ARPA funding, how funding is being spent, along with other data points and metrics. These tools integrate with the city's financial management data system in order to provide a visual dashboard in order to deliver financial information to the public on a real time basis.
Grant Management Software
Purchase and implementation of a cloud-based grant management software application, for use with ARPA funded grants. With the possibility of distributing millions of dollars of ARPA grant funding, this product represents a more efficient means for applicants to apply for funding, and cost effective solution to manage the back end processes of requirements and review, and expedite the delivery of grant awards to recipients.
Finance Team Supplies & Equipment
Included in this expense category are Office Supplies, Furniture, as well as Computer Equipment and Software.
Financial Audit Services Program
Program to provide an outside opinion regarding the eligibility of some ARPA spending projects (as they come up), as well as audit services for the ARPA program during and at the end of the program. As the City's external auditor, Powers and Sullivan provides a critical yet trusted perspective when called upon to provide an outside opinions regarding the City's financials as well as any regulatory compliance issues.
Public Listening Sessions and Opinion Survey
The City of Lowell conducted multiple listening sessions with area residents, community partners, and local non-profits, in order to gather input and shape the City's plan for using ARPA funding in the most impactful way. Expenses include costs from the August 2021 Public Opinion Survey ($10,939) and six (6) community input meetings held during Spring/Summer 2022 ($7,974).