Townsend Responds to Recall Effort, Reaffirms Transparency in ARPA Fund Use
Dade County Executive Don Townsend has issued a statement following the latest failed recall effort against him, addressing allegations that county officials misused federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Townsend said the claims are “unfounded” and reaffirmed that all ARPA expenditures have been handled lawfully, transparently, and in full compliance with federal guidelines.
Statement from County Executive Don Townsend
The most recent recall effort, which alleged misappropriation of ARPA funds, failed to move forward with only 56 certified signatures — far short of the number required. These claims were unfounded and do not reflect the reality of how Dade County has managed its federal grant dollars.
From the beginning, the County Commission — both past and present — has followed U.S. Department of Treasury guidance for ARPA expenditures under the “revenue replacement” provision. Because Dade County’s allocation fell below the $10 million threshold, these funds were eligible for broad use to support government operations.
The Treasury’s Final Rule identifies only four ineligible uses of ARPA funds: (1) contributions to a pension fund, (2) debt service payments, (3) deposits into rainy-day or reserve accounts, and (4) settlement agreements or judgments. Dade County has never used ARPA funds for these purposes. All expenditures have been reviewed under internal audit guidelines, audited annually by independent Certified Public Accountants, and examined by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts. Each review has confirmed that Dade County’s use of ARPA funds has been legitimate, transparent, and compliant with federal law.
I want to reassure the citizens of Dade County: your government has acted responsibly, lawfully, and with transparency. I remain deeply grateful for the trust this community has placed in me, and I will continue to lead with integrity, openness, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening Dade County for all who call it home.
– Don Townsend, County Executive