ARPA funds still being used in Joplin proposed budget – public work sessions soon

Last week, Joplin announced a 191 million dollar proposed budget.

Mayor Keenan Cortez told the KZRG Morning Newswatch that ARPA funds are still being included in the budget:

“Well, a good example of that is the 20th street expansion that we’re doing from Schifferdecker out to Central City Road. That project is underway. It’s ongoing, it’s not completed, it’s not going to be complete in 2025. So some of that money will have to carry over into the next year. And that’s just one example.”

Mayor Keenan Cortez continued:

‘Another example might be the Ewart park expansion where we cut the ribbon on that last week. That’s not going to be complete this year. A lot of those dollars for that project that were secured through ARPA are going to extend over into the next year. And there are multiple projects like that that are in the pipeline too. They’re going to happen, they’re going to get done. You just can’t physically take on all those improvements and all that construction in one year.”

Joplin City Council’s Budget Work Sessions are set for Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 22–24, and citizens are encouraged to attend. 

Each session will begin at 5:45 p.m. and be held in Council Chambers. 

The agendas for these meetings will be posted near these dates. 

The public will have an opportunity to ask questions and/or provide comments regarding the City budget at the work sessions.