Little discussion followed the proposed acceptance of $2.7 million in city funding through the American Rescue Plan Act as the city of Port Townsend begins to plan its re-emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This one isn’t terribly complicated,” began City Manager John Mauro during the June 14 council special meeting. “All cities and all counties across the country have been awaiting distribution of funds. The question mark was how much were we getting,” he said.
Mauro also lauded the work of city staff to track what sorts of projects can use the federal funding.
“We found out just this past week the award that the city would get,’ Mauro said.
“This is an award of $2.7 million, which will make a demonstrable difference in the revenue shortage we had last year. It’s eligible for use through the end of 2024,” he added.
Mauro said the purpose of the resolution was not to receive council’s opinion on where the funds ought to be spent, rather a move just to agree to accept the funds.
Mauro said a workshop would come at a later date to delineate where the council’s priorities lay for spending the money.
Deputy Mayor David Faber called the resolution “pretty straightforward” prior to moving the council vote to accept the funds.
The vote in favor of accepting the $2.7 million was unanimous.
“Yahoo,” said Mayor Michelle Sandoval following the council vote, “It’s always good to get money.”
Per the resolution, the city must mind four key eligibility requirements stipulating what the funds may be used for. Spent funds must respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its economic impacts. It must be used to provide essential workers premium pay.
The $2.7 million must also continue government services despite revenue loss attributed to the pandemic or invest in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.
The funds were distributed to local municipalities through the Washington State Office of Financial Management.
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June 26, 2021 at 03:57AM
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City of Port Townsend receives $2.7 million in rescue funds - Port Townsend Leader
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