Plymouth County Approves $1.8 Million in ARPA Funds for Local Communities

County's Investment Portfolio Achieves Impressive 10.51% 10-Year Return

PLYMOUTH - June 5 and May 22 - The Plymouth County Commissioners have approved the distribution of approximately $1.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to ten local communities during their June 5 meeting.

The funds will support various projects and initiatives across the county, with the largest allocation of $850,000 going to the city of Brockton.

County Treasurer Tom O'Brien presented the ARPA update to the commissioners, noting that while the federal obligation deadline ended December 31, 2024, the county's work with the program is "far from done."

"The federal government continues to issue guidelines, rules, updates and the like," O'Brien said. "A number of communities have additional allocations for projects that they wanted this funding for."

The commissioners approved allocations for ten communities that met the necessary requirements. These include Abington ($22,496.53), Bridgewater ($248,130.50), Brockton ($850,000), Duxbury ($221,717.50), Mattapoisett ($57,500), Norwell ($42,600.14), Rochester ($32,382.71), Rockland ($149,610.11), Scituate ($170,000), and Wareham ($204,342.43).

Commission Chair Jared Valanzola emphasized the county's commitment to ensuring all available funds reach local communities.

"It's important to note that the federal government allocated these funds to the County of Plymouth, us as an entity, not us as an abstract thought but as a government entity," Valanzola said. "We saw fit to distribute most of those funds to our member communities."

O'Brien highlighted the efficiency of the county's administration of the ARPA program.

"The national average is about five percent [for administrative costs], we're doing it with about one percent," O'Brien said. "That's lower than almost any other program administrator in the country."

In other financial news, O'Brien reported that the county's investment portfolio has achieved a 10-year annualized return of 10.51%, placing it in the top tier of performance nationwide.

"Don't ask me why, but I'd ask you to look at our 10-year annualized return of 10.51%," O'Brien said. "That puts us in the top decile over that 10-year period for performance."

The county's investment program, which began in October 2015, now includes 35 governmental entities, including towns, school districts, and parks. O'Brien attributed the success to low overhead costs and effective management strategies.

"Our investment team is very good at what they do. They drive down costs by not getting investments opportunities and no proprietary products in our portfolio," O'Brien explained. "They're able to purchase products that cost less and perform better."

The county's OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) liability has been reduced from approximately $65 million to under $32 million through these investment strategies and additional contributions.

Register of Deeds John Buckley reported that recording fees are trending above estimates, contributing to the county's strong financial position.

"In all of my appearances before you in the last number of months, I have said that our recordings are trending above estimates," Buckley said.

Valanzola expressed appreciation for the financial management that has kept the county in good standing while many municipalities are seeking overrides.

"As we see municipalities seeking overrides, we're doing incredibly well, and that's thanks to the hard work and shared sacrifice of everyone," Valanzola said.

The meeting also included:

* A check presentation to South Shore Community Action Council for their food resources program

* Approval of a decrease in pricing for county municipal vehicle bids

* Discussion of a potential mural project at 32 Belmont Street in Brockton to prevent tagging

* Updates on hiring processes for an administrative assistant and assistant county administrator positions

* A report on the Plymouth County Sister County Transatlantic Alliance Conference held May 21-23 in Brockton

The commissioners recessed to attend the Plymouth County Advisory Executive Board meeting at 6 p.m. and the Plymouth County Advisory Board meeting at 7 p.m.

The next regular commissioners meeting is scheduled for June 26, when additional ARPA allocations are expected to be considered.

May 22 - Plymouth County's parking program is growing, with Rutland, Massachusetts becoming the 43rd member and the first from Worcester County to join.

The program now covers an impressive area from the New York border to Provincetown, including 20 Plymouth County towns, 20 non-Plymouth County municipalities, and three state agencies.

Jeff Welch, Deputy Treasurer, highlighted the program's reach: "We're spanning from West Stockbridge in the west to Provincetown in the east, covering the entire state."

Commissioner Sandra Wright expressed her enthusiasm: "I'm amazed at how much the parking department has grown and how exciting it's become."

Welch also mentioned ongoing talks with potential new members, including North Shore Community College.

Plymouth County's financial outlook for fiscal year 2025 is looking positive. Treasurer Tom O'Brien shared monthly financial reports indicating a projected surplus.

"We're confident enough to predict a positive finish for fiscal year 2025, given the resources allocated to county operations this fiscal year," O'Brien stated.

Commissioner Jared Valanzola commented, "If we can keep this a sustainable model, which has required sacrifice from everyone, especially our department heads, it will pay off in the long run."

Full meetings available via the County YouTube. May 22 and June 5.