Subject:
Title
ARPA Interest Funds: Vienna250
Body
Purpose:
Staff is seeking Council’s direction on whether the proposed $50,000 in ARPA Interest funds for Vienna250, including the allocation of $20,000 to Economic Development and $15,000 to Parks & Recreation, and $15,000 for Vienna250 contingency, and whether this use is consistent with Council’s original budget authorization.
Key QUESTIONS:
1. Does Council agree that the proposed use of $35,000 in ARPA Interest funds for Economic Development ($20,000) and Parks & Recreation ($15,000) is consistent with the intent of the funding approved in the FY2027 budget?
2. If Council does not support the proposed use, should the funds be returned to the ARPA Interest account for future Council-directed priorities?
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
At the April 27, 2026 Council meeting, staff presented a recommendation to transfer $56,000 in funding received from Fairfax County for Vienna250 programming to Historic Vienna, Inc. (HVI), which would administer the funds and coordinate event-related expenditures. Council approved the recommendation.
During the discussion, Council revisited prior budget work sessions regarding the allocation of $50,000 in Town funding for Vienna250, including the potential use of ARPA interest funds and the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the funds. Staff noted that ARPA interest funds have no spending deadline and are not subject to the same restrictions as the original ARPA funds. They also confirmed that $50,000 had been included in the new budget request for Vienna250.
Staff recommended that any additional $50,000 in Town funding for Vienna250, also be transferred to HVI, along with a clear outline of the proposed uses of the funds, and that the spending plan be presented to and approved by Town Council. While the Town's purchasing procedures do not require Council approval for expenditures under $75,000, Staff recommended that Council nevertheless review and approve the proposed spending to ensure transparency and accountability. The item received general support from Council for the proposed funding structure.
Fast forward to August 12, 2026, Staff emailed council (attachment 1) with an update on how the Council-approved $50,000 in ARPA Interest funds can support Vienna250 while also making investments that provide longer-term value to the Town:
• Economic Development - $20,000: Reusable patriotic banners and an expanded Shop Local mailer highlighting Vienna250. The banners will support future seasonal decorations and placemaking, while the funding will allow Streetscape capital funds to remain available for business district improvements.
• Parks & Recreation - $15,000: Event operations and safety equipment, including barricades, signs, a towable trailer, storage equipment, misting fans, a rolling cooler, and other resources to improve the Town’s ability to support future events.
• Vienna250 Contingency - $15,000: Reserved for additional Vienna250 opportunities or needs through the end of 2026.
Any unspent funds would be returned to the ARPA Interest account. Overall, the proposal shifts a portion of the funding from one-time celebration expenses toward legacy investments that can continue benefiting the Town beyond Vienna250.
SUMMARY/STAFF IMPRESSIONS:
Staff is proposing to use the Council-approved $50,000 in ARPA Interest funds to support Vienna250 while also making targeted investments that provide benefits beyond the 250th anniversary year. The proposed use includes $20,000 for Economic Development initiatives, $15,000 for Parks & Recreation event equipment and operational resources, and $15,000 reserved as a Vienna250 contingency.
Staff believe these investments would provide lasting value by preserving Streetscape funding for future business district improvements, strengthening the Town’s capacity to support community events, and providing flexibility to address additional Vienna250 needs. Any funds remaining at the conclusion of the celebrations would be returned to the ARPA Interest account.
However, the proposed allocation differs from the specific use of funds discussed and approved during the budget process. Staff are therefore seeking Council’s directional feedback on whether the proposed plan is consistent with Council’s intent and whether Council wishes to approve the proposed use before the funds are expended.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that Council provide direction on the proposed use of the $50,000 in ARPA Interest funds, including whether to approve the proposed $35,000 in Economic Development and Parks & Recreation investments and the $15,000 Vienna250 contingency.