Nogales approves allocation of remaining ARPA funding

After a 5-2 vote, the city of Nogales is allocating the remainder of their American Rescue Plan Act funding for city functions.

Councilwoman Liza Montiel asked city officials to table the vote during the meeting.

“I would like again a survey to go out to the community and have their input,” she said. “We still have a lot of time to use these funds.”

The council has until December 31, 2026 to allocate the funds. However, the mayor and council members chose to continue without input. Council members Hector Bojorquez and Montiel were the only members that voted against the funding stating that a community survey is needed to better understand what residents want.

This issue of community engagement was previously brought forward. During a Nov. 2 meeting, councilman Saulo Bonilla shared his disapproval of Montiel’s request.

“This email is very condescending,” Bonilla said in regards to an email Montiel sent to city manager Edward Dickie. “You’re telling him what you want. It’s not what we want.”

Bonilla went on to detail the email Montiel sent saying that she requested a community survey that should be “simple, yet inclusive to allow the residents to share their opinions in a transparent and unbiased way.”

In the same meeting, Nogales mayor Arturo Garino reiterated to councilman Hector Bojorquez his view on the matter.

“It’s the people’s money and the people elected you to make decisions,” Garino said.

The funding will be allocated to:

• Police Department- $700,000
• Parks and Recreation- $650,000
• Street Department- $500,000
• Water Department- $500,000
• Sewer Department- $500,000
• Fire- $150,000
• Planning and Zoning Business Incentives- $357,002

The remaining ARPA funds total to $3,357,002. The original order presented did not have funding for fire and planning and zoning business incentives, but they were later added during the special meeting.