Thanks, Alison. I think we should explore the idea of providing some relief
for lower income residents who are facing substantial increases in their
stormwater fees. I'll raise the idea with my colleagues.
-- Peter
On Tue, Jul 20, 2021 at 9:14 PM Alison RAPHAEL <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Peter -
Since ARPA includes some storm water funds, how about considering a
discount or reduction for people living on a fixed income?
Our cost has gone from $25 to $250 -- it's pretty high for those with
reduced income -- along with the extremely high taxes.
Also, I definitely agree on the need to address food insecurity!!
Thanks,
Alison Raphael
On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, 08:12:15 PM EDT, Peter Kovar <pakovar@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Dear Neighbors:
The background on the budget amendment that's on the agenda for tomorrow
night’s City Council agenda wasn’t posted until after I had finished
writing my weekly blog (which I circulated yesterday). So I’m adding here
the link to that information:
https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210721-2-3-rev.pdf.
The following paragraphs outlining my views on the budget amendment were in
yesterday’s blog, but I’m including them again here. Feel free to be in
touch with questions or comments.
-- Peter
Here’s the blog excerpt:
“The Council discussed the budget amendment in last week’s meeting. The
amendment reflects the need to transfer from last fiscal year to the
current one some budgeted expenditures which were held up for various
reasons. It also includes some initial allocations connected to ARPA, the
massive Federal aid legislation under which the City will be receiving over
$17 million (we received the first half of those funds earlier this month).
The ARPA money can be used primarily for assistance in responding to COVID,
though it can also be used for some infrastructure work, including
stormwater projects and broadband expansion.
“A big question is how quickly we can start getting ARPA funds out the
door, with the Federal and State guidelines for use of the funds not yet
finalized. The proposal presented by the staff last week (
https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/Documents/Budget-Amendment-FY22-presentation.pdf)
calls for hiring personnel along with technology upgrades to help
administer the funds. The staff proposal also includes money for eviction
prevention and assistance, which I think is a good idea. In our Council
discussion I urged that funding be provided to help address food
insecurity, another significant need at this point. I’m hopeful we’ll be
able to add that to the budget amendment. In the fall, when we have our new
City Manager on board, we’ll be better able to make further determinations
on how to use our ARPA funds.”
Peter Kovar, Takoma Park City Council, Ward One
240-319-6281; www.councilmemberkovar.com
(He, Him, His)
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