City Commissioners on Tuesday heard the first reading of an ordinance that would appropriate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding toward specific projects in the community.
No action can be taken until the second reading of the ordinance at the next meeting.
Project allotments, if approved at the next meeting, include: $2.5 million toward the RWRA Ravine Sewer System; $2.5 million toward the OMU Water Tower project; $5.05 million toward the York neighborhood drainage project; and $750,000 toward the Cravens pool project.
There is $2.5 million unappropriated that will be kept in the City budget for any projects that may come later in the year.
Included in the ordinance are traditional amendments that act as a “clean-up” for other items on the budget including funds for overages in fuel and utilities to the parks department, aerial photography from the GIS manager, revenue expenses for public events budget and others.
In other business commissioners also discussed an opportunity to repeal an ordinance passed in 2005 that would result in a 1.3% tax on gross revenues on telecommunications companies.
City Attorney Mark Pfiefer said that the city opted to accept the change suggested by the state.
“Rather than impose a separate franchise fee, it was slightly financially beneficial to the city to [join the state pool],” Pfiefer said.
The proposition only effects internet and data transmission providers and won’t effect cable, satellite TV, radio or broadband services.
Another ordinance read Tuesday included a suggested pay raise for city employees and non-elected city officers, an action that is also proposed in the 2022-23 budget.
Commissioners also approved the annual action plan for community development block grand and home investment partnership funds brought to the table by Community Development Director Abby Shelton. A municipal order was passed granting a mutual aid and assistance agreement between Hopkins County Fiscal Court that would grant aid to a City employee for work during the aftermath of the December tornado.
