Callaway County Commissioners Tackle Millions in Opioid, ARPA Funds | The Locally Times
Callaway County Commissioners Tackle Millions in Opioid, ARPA Funds
Callaway County Commissioners began two days of intensive meetings today, April 1, to decide the allocation of millions in opioid settlement funds and federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money. While the commission's agenda highlights these significant financial decisions, it provides no public details on the specific projects or initiatives under consideration. This lack of transparency means residents won't know how these key funds might be spent until after the meetings conclude. ## Unveiling Callaway's Financial Future The commission's schedule, running from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Opioid fund discussions, including those related to litigation, are slated for both days, alongside separate sessions for ARPA fund allocations. A public hearing for TAP grant #9901564 was held yesterday, March 31. ## Beyond the Budget: Other County Engagements Beyond the major financial deliberations, the commission's agenda includes several operational meetings. Today, April 1, commissioners are in Jefferson City for a Capital Open Session until noon, followed by a Chamber Ribbon Cutting at Court Street Custom Framing at 1:00 p.m. Tomorrow, April 2, meetings include the Callaway County Sheriff’s office at 8:00 a.m., an optional CRN Meeting at 10:30 a.m., and a 1:00 p.m. meeting with Ollis Akers Arney. Afternoon sessions tomorrow include a 2:00 p.m. supervisor meeting for Road & Bridge, a MAC Legislative Zoom meeting, and an Annual Solid Waste Meeting in Columbia. The agenda also notes potential interviews for open positions and after-hours social events. ## Library Relocates for Renovations In separate local news, the Callaway County Public Library opened a temporary location today, April 1, at Churchill Plaza, 1855 N. Bluff Street, Fulton. This temporary facility offers limited services, including a small browsing collection and the ability to pick up holds and return materials. Due to its smaller size, public access computers, Wi-Fi, and passport processing are unavailable. Library classes and events will be held at other Fulton locations. Book drops are available at both the temporary site and the permanent location at 710 Court St. The library maintains its regular hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The move is necessitated by an HVAC replacement project at the permanent facility, which began March 30 and is expected to last 90 days, as confirmed by the Daniel Boone Regional Library. ## What Residents Need to Know **What specific projects will the opioid and ARPA funds support?** The publicly available agenda for April 1 and 2, 2026, outlines discussions on these funds but does not specify the projects or initiatives under consideration. **How can residents provide input on these financial discussions?** The Callaway County Commission has scheduled opportunities to meet with citizens throughout April 1 and 2, 2026, during regular meeting hours. **How long will the Callaway County Public Library's temporary location be in service?** The temporary location is anticipated to operate for approximately 90 days, aligning with the duration of the HVAC replacement project at the permanent facility.