Village weighs options for its rescue funds

The Village of Grafton is expected to receive $1.23 million through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which supports local governments affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

During Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Director of Administrative Services Paul Styduhar said municipalities will be allocated funds based on population as part of the act, which was signed into law March 11.

Last month, the village was expecting to receive $1.2 million, but that total has been updated. The Town of Grafton is expected to get about $400,000. 

Officials said the funds will be received in two phases, with the first half by July 11 and the second by July 11, 2022. Funds must be spent by Dec.31, 2026, with final spending plans required to be submitted by Dec. 31, 2024. 

The funds can be used in four categories, including:

• Replacing revenue based on the loss income resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and public health services;

• Responding to a public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses and nonprofit groups or aid to impacted businesses, such as tourism, travel and hospitality;

• Investing in sanitary sewer, storm sewer, broadband infrastructure and roadwork;

• Responding to workers performing essential duties during the public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers or providing grants to eligible employers that eligible workers who perform essential work.

Also on Monday, the committee began discussing what projects to prioritize, including possible upgrades to the Grafton Public Library’s elevator and the Grafton Police Department’s evidence storage room. 

The board also plans to send a survey to business owners, residents, non-profit organizations and other stakeholders to help prioritize a list of needs.

Officials said if the village spends more than $750,000 in funds in a given year, the village is required to undergo a “yellow book” or federal audit.