The Turlock City Council on Tuesday unanimously agreed to spend the city’s remaining $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds on upgrades to the Turlock Animal Shelter.
City staff had recommended several plans that were aimed at bolstering downtown businesses, such as a Discover Turlock for the Holidays program, a business-education program, and a safety and lighting reimbursement program.
But Mayor Amy Bublak pivoted after the presentation by Anthony Sims, the city’s director of economic development.
“My passion is economic development and it’s what we base everything on,” said Bublak, who is seeking a third term as the city’s mayor this fall. “Having said that, we can always find money in our general fund for something like that. I just think right now our animal shelter could use it most. So, I would prefer to put it there and come back for a request out of reserves for economic development, should that be something we want.”
Bublak intimated that $150,000 is merely a small first step what’s need to fully renovate the shelter.
“Building issues, drain issues, health and safety issues, all kinds of stuff going on there,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden. “Definitely, there’s a need at the animal shelter. We were working with the current ARPA funds that were allocated. We had about $100,000 in our budget and we’re moving toward going over that. So, we’re looking at other options, but it's going to be expensive either way you go. If we can use some ARPA money to make it better for our staff, it’s money well spent.”
Councilmember Rebecka Monez (District 2) agreed.
“If we could just use ARPA money to make some general repairs,” said Monez. “The building is dilapidated. It’s embarrassing… Animal shelter would be money well spent.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the council set aside $1 million in ARPA funds for programs to support downtown businesses.
The city used $575,000 toward the RAD Card program, which allowed downtown shoppers to purchase digital funds to spend at participating businesses with the city matching consumer purchases dollar for dollar.
However, the program was discontinued due to inefficiencies and technical setbacks, Sims said.
In June 2024, the remaining $425,000 was earmarked for the Small Business Development and Assistance program, which gave participating businesses up to $3,500 to support social media and Google ad campaigns aimed increasing consumer traffic and sales. But only 23 businesses successfully completed program, with many citing challenges in accessing Google business accounts to set up their advertisements, according to Sims. The program concluded with $150,000 left in the ARPA till.
