City approves housing project with ARPA funds

May 16—VALDOSTA — The Valdosta City Council held a called meeting Wednesday evening to discuss the allocation of funds from the revised American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The meeting concluded with a decision to utilize these funds for an Affordable Housing Project, requiring an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

Following the formalities of the call to order, invocation, and a Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, the council proceeded to discuss the motions related to local funding.

The Valdosta City Council called upon finance director Chuck Dinkins to hear consideration of approving the revised American Rescue Plan Act, how it would be used in proposed projects, and which amounts were allocated. Dinkins laid out the budget plans and mentioned finalizing costs from the recent storms that have hit the city and the upcoming Affordable Housing Project.

Councilwoman Vivian Miller Cody of District One and Councilwoman Sandra Tooley of District Two had many questions for Dinkins regarding the specifics of the consideration. The motion to approve the revised American Rescue Plan Act passed.

This was followed by a second motion to approve an amendment to the fiscal year 2024 budget for the City of Valdosta, which would make these projects and amounts possible this year instead of in 2025. The revised budget was passed, allowing for the final consideration.

With the first two considerations acting as a prerequisite to authorizing funding for an Affordable Housing Project, the final consideration was voted on and passed.