American Rescue Plan Act
Utility Billing Relief Program - Build it Better Program 
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, also called the COVID-19 Stimulus Package or American Rescue Plan, is a $1.9 trillion dollar economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, to speed up the country's recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession.
In late September of 2021, the City received the first ARPA Tranche payment in the amount of $534,227.30. Once the funds were received, the City went to work forming a team and developing a plan to distribute these funds to the community as quickly as possible. The ARPA Board members are as follows:
Councilman Bill Farnham - Ward I
Councilman Sean A. Wilson - Ward III
Amber Box - Finance Officer
Tracey York - Utility Supervisor
Miriam Jones - Executive Assistant
With heavy restrictions and strict regulations, the team worked hard to come up with programs that will benefit the community while adhereing to the Acts requirements. You can find more information on the American Recue Plan Act on the US Department of the Treasury's website.
Information regarding eligible uses for funds can be found below.
The City of Waynesville's Build it Better Program
In an effort to help alleviate those high utility bills, the ARPA team developed the Build it Better Grant Funding Program. Homeowners can receive up to $2,000 in reimbursements for completing energy efficient upgrades to their homes. More information can be found in the documents below:
BUILD IT BETTER - Home Efficiency Improvement Program Information Brochure
BUILD IT BETTER - Program Application
For more information regarding the BUILD IT BETTER program, contact City Hall at 573.774.6171.