County denies historical society more ARPA funds for geothermal project

The Adair County supervisors told representatives of the Adair County Historical Society to wait a little longer to possibly receive additional funding for a geothermal installation project at the complex.

John Scarlett, one of the historical society’s board members, spoke with the board and thanked them for $45,000 in American Rescue Plan Act money that was already awarded.The problem is that each of the holes that had to be dug for the project are costing more per hole than expected because of the difficulty of digging them. More holes had to be dug than expected as well.

Scarlett estimated that the project could add up to approximately $60,000 before all is said and done.

Supervisor Chairman Matt Wedemeyer said that the board is currently in a holding pattern with awarding any more ARPA money. The county will enter budget season soon for fiscal year 2024, when they will look to allocate more of the $1.38 million the county received over two payments.

The supervisors noted that they’ve had other organizations ask for additional ARPA funds and have denied them for the same reason.

Scarlett said the historical society has some funding available, however they also have plans for those funds.

“Basically our income isn’t good,” Scarlett said. “We’ve got the funds and we’re trying to hold them to keep us solvent for another several years, hopefully.”

Scarlett said that once this new system is installed, the amount historical society’s energy bills should drastically decrease.