A chunk of change that previously perplexed the Everly City Council will be able to move more easily soon.

City Clerk Kristi Fliss reported Monday that restrictions on funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) would be loosened soon. Previously, rules stipulated that local governments could only use the funds for pandemic-related losses, which were low in Everly.

Fliss said that new rules have been announced for cities that received $10 million or less. In all, Everly’s sum will amount to just over $80,000.

“We can use it however we want now,” Fliss said. “We will claim all of it as lost revenue and then move it to the general fund.”

ARPA was passed by Congress last year to provide $1.9 trillion in economic stimulus to help defray costs that stemmed from the pandemic. According to previous discussion, Everly must spend the money by December 2024.

The council previously had a hard time finding an adequate use for the money. Members most recently had hoped to use it on employee wages, but ultimately decided that would not qualify. Other proposed uses included streets and sewer improvements, cement work and the water tower’s new paint job.

The council on Monday discussed using the money for a new emergency siren on the east side of town as well a large generator that could be used at the community center or fire station during a natural disaster. If the electricity went out, one of the facilities could be opened as a shelter for residents.

“We’ve talked about it before, but it’s always been tabled because it’s so spendy,” said Council Member Tara Patrick.

No decision was made on the ARPA funds.

In other business, Fliss reported that municipal entities, including the gas board, can no longer donate to non-profit organizations. The change came at the behest of the Iowa State Auditor’s Office and affects all government organizations, according to discussion.

“Basically, no city entity can donate money anymore,” said Mayor Ron Thompson.

Previously, the city donated funds to organizations like Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Hope Lutheran Church Food Pantry and Little Mavs Daycare Center when it was open.

Finally, the council approved changes to public comment rules during regular meetings. Previously, no regulations were on the books regarding who could speak during meetings and for how long.

Now, members of the public who are not on the agenda may speak for two minutes, while those who are on the agenda get 10 minutes.

“They ought to get their point across,” said Council Member Jeff Wiemann.

The rules do not pertain to individuals contracted by the city.